Obituary for Vivian Leona Long Connelly
1927 - 2014
Vivian Leona Long Connelly passed away peacefully, May 10, 2014 at her home in Provo, Utah.
Vivian was born Sept. 2, 1927 in Provo, Utah to John Melvin and Martha Vivian Skinner Long. Her youth was spent herding cattle on horseback in the foothills of south eastern Provo where she had many fond memories and adventures with friends. She attended school in both Provo and Eureka, Utah.
She met her sweetheart, Wallace D. Connelly at a dance right after he returned from serving in the U.S. Navy. They were married Nov. 7, 1946 and later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together, Vivian and Wally raised 4 amazing children in a close-knit family, giving them a deep appreciation for the beautiful outdoors and teaching them love, service and the incredible importance of family.
Vivian was a devoted mother and homemaker and nurtured and supported her children in various sport and outdoor activities as they grew up. She also helped and supported her husband in the family business, sacrificing much for the business and the family. Vivian had a passion for flowers & gardening and was proud of her large, immaculate yard, which she took care of herself well into her 70s. She enjoyed flower arranging, embroidery and anything to do with camping, fishing and any outdoor activity or get-together that brought her family together. She loved spending her spare time at the family ranch in Diamond Fork Canyon. Her fun and spunky personality made it a joy just to be in her presence. For years, Vivian would ride to work every morning with Wally and then walk the 5 miles back home from the shop. This played an important role in her good health and ability to fight osteoporosis in her later years.
Vivian is survived by her 4 children Kathleen (Chris) Brittain, Dan (Georgia) Connelly, John (Galina) Connelly and Jerry (Merlene) Connelly, 12 grandchildren , 48 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren who will miss her sweet, kind, and accepting ways.
It has been an honor to serve and care for such a remarkable woman the last few years and witness her determination and strength mixed with her kind, sweet spirit. The family would like to thank First Choice Hospice for their time and care. Also, the family is grateful to Vivians ward and neighbors for their love and friendship over the years. You will never know how much it meant to her.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grandview 13th Ward Chapel, 1260 West 1150 North, Provo. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Wednesday from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Thursday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online at www.bergmortuary.com.
