“We are visitors on this planet. We are here for one hundred years at the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives. If you contribute to other peoples happiness, you will find the true meaning of life. “
– Dalai Lama X1V
Vivian Oakley lived a complete life, full of vitality and good health. As a professional nurse, wife and mother of five children, she touched the lives and contributed to the happiness of others throughout her life. She had a calm compassionate “way” about her - she truly lived the wise words of the Dalai Lama.
Vivian grew up in St. Boniface, Manitoba and upon
graduating from nursing school, headed west to work as a registered nurse. Her travels and adventurous spirit eventually brought her to Kimberley where she worked at the Kimberley and District Hospital as an RN. Her arrival in town prompted a quick “heads-up” phone call to Pat Oakley from Sam Wormington. After a whirlwind romance, Vivian Benoit married Pat Oakley and their amazing life journey began. Throughout her life Vivian supported her children and grandchildren in any endeavour and encouraged an active lifestyle in sports and outdoor pursuits. Vivian loved to figure skate. Vivian enjoyed living in the mountains and truly appreciated being surrounded by the good people in Kimberley.
Celebrating her life well lived are her children Alison (Chris), Darryl (Karen), Claire (Gary), Peter (Carmen) and Sharon (Kevin); her grandchildren Kailey, Logan, Patti, Bryn, Shawn (Katy), Scott, Sarah, Jonah and Avril, and Vivian’s sister Mary (Will).
To anyone who connected with mom during her life - THANK YOU !
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Garden View Village in Kimberley and Joseph Creek Care Village in Cranbrook for supporting mom in living her final years well.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. A mass will be dedicated to Vivian at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Kimberley at a later date. Donations in Vivian’s honour can be made to the: Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, Okanagan/Kootenays Area Office, #4, 1551 - Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9M9.