LEBARON Viviann

VIVIANN LEBARON, daughter of Antonette Serene Jensen Hill and Wilford Woodruff Hill of Taber, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 19, 2013 in Lethbridge, weeks short of her 80th birthday.
She was a strong and resilient woman, known for singular turns of phrase that became the stuff of family legend. ViviAnn had an indefatigable spirit and will be remembered for her courage in the face of adversity, her generosity with family and many others and her passionate love of humour.
Predeceased by her husband of forty seven years, Don LeBaron, ViviAnn derived much joy as her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grew and thrived. She loved them each deeply: children Rick (Tammy) and Michelle, grandchildren Justin, Genevieve (Sébastien), Adrienne (Zack), Matt (Jolene), Emily (Mark), Brianne, Joel, Daniel, Chelsey (Dallas), Derek and Travis and great-grandchildren Caiden, Jocelyn, Alexis, Braeden, and Wyatt. She is also survived by her beloved sister Shirley and husband Cecil of Maple Ridge, BC and brother Ray and his wife Sharley of Calgary, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
ViviAnn grew up on a farm and later in the town of Taber where she enjoyed drama and youth activities at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). A child of homesteaders, she was thrilled to leave the country life for the town, and enthusiastically embraced the modern conveniences that came in the post-war years. She met her future husband while still in high school, marrying Don LeBaron in the Cardston Temple before he left Southern Alberta to serve a two year mission for the LDS church in South Africa. Upon Don’s return, they settled in Lethbridge where ViviAnn raised Michelle and Rick and thrived on homemaking, friendship, writing, reading and playing Rook. She sewed exquisitely, staying up long into the night to create tiny doll dresses and Halloween costumes. She later worked at the Green Acres Foundation and in retail customer service—positions where her gregarious nature found a wonderful outlet.
ViviAnn was a medical miracle, surviving an aneurysm at age 44 and decades of Mars bars and Coca-Cola for breakfast. She was unfailingly original and deeply loyal, expressing her love through letters, a ready ear and vicarious excitement over her family’s achievements.
In recent years, ViviAnn was fortunate to realize life-long dreams of travel, visiting the Holy Land with Don before his passing and enjoying several cruises and visits to Las Vegas and California with her grandchildren. No one who met her will forget her and those who knew her best will miss her dearly.
Friends may meet the family on Friday evening, February 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703-13 Street North, Lethbridge, or prior to the funeral service on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 12:45 p.m. at the church.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LETHBRIDGE STAKE CENTRE, 2410-28 Street South, Lethbridge.
Interment in the Barnwell Cemetery.
Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home Ltd.
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email: condolences@generationsfh.ca
Sign guest book: www.generationsfh.ca