Vivian Hemel's Obituary
The Best – and Worst – of Times
Inga was immensely proud of her Norwegian and Swedish heritage. She was born in Bismarck, North Dakota and moved with her family to Tacoma as a little girl. Although it was many years before she finally had the chance to visit her parents’ homeland, she kept in touch with her many relatives there and frequently showcased her culinary talents by making her famous Swedish pancakes. Like her contemporaries of the greatest generation, Inga’s formative years straddled two World Wars and the Great Depression. She lived through times of great challenge and eras of phenomenal change. Through those early years and during 44 years of marriage with Joe, she relied on her deep appreciation for God’s little mercies, an indomitable work ethic and ingrained social grace to guide her way.
Dear Mother
As much as Inga thrived in her role as wife and mother, she excelled in her 20 year career as an Operator with Bell Telephone. After retiring from her work at the phone company, she became a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital and maintained her involvement within the community.
Remembering the Joy
Inga found joy in many things. She loved the ocean and looked forward to vacationing in Hawaii each year. Nothing made her happier than tending to her roses and vegetable garden and communing with the birds. Music of all kinds, particularly hymns, elevated her spirits. Inga’s special pleasures included shopping trips to Nordstrom’s, beautiful clothing, breakfast at Sherry’s, and Chinese food. She could spend hours reading, doing crossword puzzles, crocheting while watching Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy, and of course, happily entertaining family and friends.At the center of Inga’s being resided her profound faith. The well-worn pages of her Bible are testimony to the comfort she took in reading the psalms and her favorite passages. A lifelong member of the Mason United Methodist Church, she believed the Lord helped her through every aspect of her life including losing Joe in 1998 and enduring physical pain and hospital stays in recent years. Friends say that Inga lived her life as an open book. At times, it was a comedy, for she possessed quick wit and a real sense of humor. Beneath her somewhat regal, sophisticated bearing and demure character ran a storyline of adventure and historical romance. Sometimes, her book would be pure editorial; she was a strong-willed woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. We will look back with fondness on every chapter of her life.
She Left Footprints On Many Hearts
In her 95 years, Inga had ample opportunity to share her love of family, her love of God and the warmth of her heart. She loved all children and took great pleasure in welcoming friends and family into her home. We lost Vivian Inga on Saturday, April 7. She passed away peacefully in Tacoma,
Washington, and although we understand that she is now at peace with Jesus and her Joe, she will be greatly missed. Many gathered in the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center to lessen their grief in the comfort of each other. Stories were told, psalms were recited and fond memories were exchanged about this remarkable lady. She leaves her sister Esther, her son Joe and daughter in law Carol, her daughter Lisa and grandsons Paul, Karl and Jeffery to carry on her traditions.
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