Vivian Margaret Lewis

Vivian Lewis, age 93, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022, and is now absent from her body and present with the Lord. She was born on August 6, 1929, to the late Alex and Margaret (Farnell) Nevins. She resided in Alpena for over 30 years, living the past seven months at Besser Senior Living.

Vivian Margaret Nevins was born and raised on a dairy farm in the Greenwoods area. She graduated from Alpena High School in 1948, followed by graduation from Alpena County Normal to pursue her career as a third, fourth and fifth grade teacher at Long Rapids and Leer Schools. She married Tom Lewis on August 12, 1950, and together they operated a farm and raised their family in Long Rapids. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1991.

Vivian was a long-standing member of the Long Rapids Congregational Church where she served as teen Sunday School teacher for many years, a member of various women’s groups, and dining room coordinator for the annual chicken supper for as many years as anyone can remember. Vivian provided daycare for many families, with a fun and nurturing environment while utilizing her teaching skills to prepare the children for formal education. She later worked as an adult caregiver. She lived a life of service working on the election board, 4-H leader, secretary for the Village Green Condo Association, and a member of the TOPS Club for 30 years.

Vivian loved preparing delicious meals and surrounding herself with family and friends to enjoy them. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing for herself and her girls, also sharing her talents as a 4-H leader. She was an excellent crafter, artist and poet. Every greeting card she sent contained a hand-penned poem for the occasion. She loved playing card games, taking motor coach trips with friends and family, and attending Win-Some Women retreats on Mackinac Island. She will be forever remembered for her elaborate holiday extravaganzas, especially Christmas Eve.

Vivian is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Keith) Maylum of  Gladwin, Michigan, and Bethany (Randy) Hanson of Grand Blanc, Michigan. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Matthew (Jill) Barsen of Posen, Michigan, Eric (Ashley) Carr of Queen Creek, Arizona, Dillon Hanson of Centerline, Michigan, and Devon Witt of Grand Blanc, Michigan; one great granddaughter, Adalind Barsen of Posen, Michigan; two sisters, Lavada Gamache of Alpena, Michigan, Faye Thomson of Orlando, Florida; brother, Gerald (Nancy) Nevins of Midland, Michigan; son-in-law, Howard (Diane) Barsen of Posen; two sisters-in-law, Darlene Yarch and Sue Nevins.

Vivian was preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy Barsen; three brothers, Howard Nevins, Glen Nevins, and Earl Nevins.

Visitation will be Monday, August 15, 2022, at Bannan Funeral Home in Alpena from 2-8 p.m. The family will receive friends at Long Rapids Congregational Church on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. Arnie Kirschner. Memorial contributions can be made to the Long Rapids Congregational Church.

Interment: Long Rapids Township Cemetery