Vivien Sansom

Vivien Sansom, beloved resident of Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada, passed away on September 7, 2023, at the age of 77. Born on April 26, 1946, Vivien lived a life filled with laughter and love.

Viv was born in Mansfield Woodhouse, England, the fourth daughter of a very surprised Charles and Annie, twin sister Valerie, who took great pleasure in reminding Viv that she was the eldest of the two, and little sister to Sybil and Christine.

Viv's adventurous spirt and zest for life never wavered and she boldly jumped the pond to Canada in 1967. Her professional life was just as vibrant as her personal one and she dedicated over 20 years of her career to the Royal Bank in Hinton Alberta, where she made memorable friendships that would last for decades.

Viv found her true partner in crime, Jim, and for 23 years they enjoyed a lovely home in Qualicum Beach where they embarked on countless adventures together, making memories that would last a lifetime. (Go Blue Jays!)  Their love was a remarkable bond that brought comfort, happiness, and shared jokes to the lives they touched.

Although Viv didn't have any children of her own, her heart was always open to her many nieces and nephews and their families. She readily “adopted” Jim's daughters, Heather and Kathy and accepted Tris, Bailey, Connor and Katie as her own grandchildren who had many memorable visits with Grandma Viv.

Viv's active retirement was marked by touching so many lives through her many volunteer activities. She was a past president of the local T.O.P.S. group, a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Qualicum Beach Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, volunteered her time at The Gardens senior lodge, Qualicum Beach Visitor Center, Qualicum Beach Seniors' Activities Centre, canvassed for and participated in the Annual Head Shave for Cancer at the Deep Bay Volunteer Fire Department. 

Viv was a friend magnet, collecting pen pals wherever she went and will be remembered for her infectious spirit, her warm heart, and her ability to brighten any room she entered.  She made many cherished friends who enjoyed her kind and welcoming nature.  As she leaves this world and joins the stars above, let us celebrate her well-lived life and hold onto the precious memories we formed with her.

Her final days were spent in the loving care of the remarkable staff and volunteers at Trillium Hospice.  In lieu of flowers, we humbly request donations to the Oceanside Hospice Society, directed specifically to the nurses’ "Wish List" at the Parksville location at https://oceansidehospice.com/donate, which will allow the dedicated staff to continue providing the very best quality end of life care.  Jim and the rest of Viv's family will be eternally grateful for the tender loving care she received during her passing. 

Rest in peace, dear Vivien Sansom.