Obituary of Vivian Eileen THOMAS

September 5, 1935 – Mayerthorpe, Alberta
June 4, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Vivian Eileen Thomas (nee Loucks) slipped away from us Friday, June 4, 2021 after succumbing to the prolonged effects of vascular dementia at the age of 85.

She was born September 5, 1935 to Archie and Agnes (nee Flatekval) Loucks in Mayerthorpe, AB, where she grew up with her sister Connie and brother Doug. At age 20, she married Alfred Franklin Thomas and started a family in Grimshaw, but soon moved to where Alf's work in the oilpatch took them. Predeceased by Alf in 1997, Vivian's boundless energy sustained her as a devoted mother, fun-loving grandmother and loyal friend.

Her 'joie de Viv' made her an uncompromising entertainer and creative homemaker from the kitchen to the rumpus room, from the campground to the dance floor, and from an afternoon tea to a formal banquet. She was always throwing themed dinner parties, hosting bridge club, baking legendary chocolate birthday cakes, packing for long-haul van trips, jumping into arts and crafts (watercolour painting, knitting an Aran Irish sweater, sewing clothes and costumes from the latest Butterick patterns), and stretching every dollar for a family of seven, not to mention volunteering at her kids' high-school cafeterias. Vivian's infectious energy flowed through anyone close to her. Towards the end her love of ballroom dancing sustained her passion for life.

Vivian is survived by her five children, Randall, James (Ann), Crystal Scott (Anthony), Richard (Catherine), and April; sister Constance Anthony (Garnet); sister-in-law Gladys; and her seven grandchildren, jt Thomas, Justyn Scott, Savannah Scott, Nikita Scott, Jon Thomas, Anton Thomas and Max Thomas. 

While Vivian devoted her life to her family, the unfairness of vascular dementia ultimately eroded her ability to care for those she loved. We all shared a prolonged sense of loss through her struggle, and felt some relief when she reluctantly let go. Her last dance was a sweet, soft bolero; as the music faded, she sighed and caught a moonbeam to the next silver ball.

No service is scheduled, but we will celebrate her life when the times allow for it. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Vivian’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the foundation you feel is most appropriate: Alberta Children's Hospital, www.childrenshospital.ab.ca, Dying with Dignity, www.dyingwithdignity.ca or to the Alzheimer Society Alberta and Northwest Territory, www.alzheimer.ab.ca.

In living memory of Vivian Thomas, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.