Vivian Stuart of Gilroy passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones Nov. 29. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert M. Stuart, and her parents, Rome and Ethel Haby. She is survived by her daughters Sherri Stuart (Gilroy) and Karen Wendt, son-in-law Alan Wendt, and granddaughter Krista Wendt (formerly of Gilroy, currently of Eureka), and her "favorite" sister, Dorothy Johnson (Washington).
Vivian was born in Morgan Hill in 1919 at her grandparents' farmhouse. Her childhood was spent on the family cattle ranch in Arizona. Her life as a military wife led her across the country and to Europe, making friends wherever she went. She returned to live the last half of her life in California, living in Carmel, Lincoln and Gilroy. She was a positive person who saw beauty everywhere and in everyone. Vivian was a talented and gifted artist whose art was displayed as recently as this summer in Gilroy. She was a passionate gardener whose flowers brought her much joy. A lifelong interest in cooking was highlighted at age 82 by being a finalist in the Gilroy Garlic Festival Cook-Off.
A memorial gathering to celebrate her life will be held in her garden in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Family Center or Advent Ministries.