Vivienne M. Swanes' Obituary
Vivienne Merle Whitehead Swanes was born in Denver, CO. She moved to southern California with her father in order to be closer to family after losing her mother when she was two years old. She loved to play outside and enjoyed eating fresh avocados and oranges from the trees outside her home. As was typical of children who lost their mothers at a young age, many family members helped to raise her. Most of her life was spent with her father’s cousins, the Steffans. Vivienne thought of them and their daughter, Jacke, as her family. After graduating from Whittier High School, she attended UCLA where she pledged Sigma Kappa Sorority. When her family decided to move to WA, Vivienne went with them, enrolled in the UW and affiliated with Sigma Kappa in Seattle. It was here that she met the love of her life, Vernon, on a blind date.
Following her UW graduation, she earned her Master’s in Education at Central Washington College. She was an elementary school teacher in Medina, WA for one year while she and Vernon built their future home in the Five Views area of Tacoma. They married June 12, 1948. She was proud to be a homemaker and mother, while supporting Vern’s hard work at the family business, Northern Fish Products, Inc. In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother and friend, Vivienne was active in the community through Panhellenic, PTA, Junior League of Tacoma, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, and occasionally, as an elementary school substitute teacher. She was a talented seamstress, dancer, and pianist. She and Vern especially enjoyed their time together at their beach cabin in Lakebay. She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon, sister Jacke Brett, and son-in-law Glen Jones. Surviving are her children Susan Sinclair (Tim), John Swanes (Pamela), and Nancy Jones. Grandchildren Joanna Moses (Dan), Ross Swanes (Clare), Carl Swanes (Maya), Emily Godwin (Ryen), Jon Jones (Kelsey), and Craig Jones. Vivienne had eight beautiful great grandchildren. Also surviving are her dear sisters-in-law Mary Latimer and Ann Kirby. The family wishes to thank The Weatherly Inn, Tacoma General Hospital, and Dr. Steve Stringfellow for providing attentive care. Due to Covid 19, there will be no formal services.
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