Vivian Alice Twarkins

In loving memory of Vivian A. Twarkins, age 88 of East Hartford who passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in prayer on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Hartford Hospital after battling dementia over the past few years. Vivian was proud to have been born in Fall River, Massachusetts on October 4, 1935. She resided there until the age of 7 when her family moved to East Hartford, Connecticut. Vivian was the daughter of the late Flora St. Laurent and Leo Belanger. She was also predeceased by her brother, Maurice Belanger, and her sister, Pauline Bilodeau. Recently, Vivian was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, John Twarkins.

Vivian is survived by her children Linda Bieszad and her husband Thomas of West Hartford, and Kimberly Kozlowski and her husband John of Coventry. Her love also extended to her grandchildren Andrew Bieszad and his wife Jessica of Ider, Alabama; Kristyn Figbie and her husband Gabriel of West Hartford; Sarah Vasconcelos and her husband Andre of Brooklyn, New York; and Samantha Maltz and her husband Jay of Bolton, as well as her nine great grandchildren Drew, Augustine, Margot, Greggory, Charles, Ambros, Alexander, Emilia, and James, plus two nieces and two nephews.

While living in Fall River as a child, Vivian loved to spend time with her family including going to church with her brother and fishing trips with her father. Although only having spent 7 years of her life there, she always held a special place in her heart for Fall River and the memories created there. Upon moving to East Hartford, Vivian and her family maintained a deep connection to their French Canadian roots by keeping their traditions – especially in the kitchen! Outside of the house, as a child, Vivian also participated passionately in figure skating, as well as competitive roller skating.

Throughout high school, Vivian worked on tobacco in the fields in Glastonbury, and loved to share those stories throughout her life. She was a graduate of East Hartford High, Class of 1954. Her involvement in the school and high achieving grades, placed her as a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, Vivian worked at Connecticut Mutual as a secretary, and then later at the Connecticut Society of Geneology on Maple Street in East Hartford for over 15 years. Remaining connected to her school and classmates, Vivian was on the Class Reunion Committee, helping to plan every reunion from the time that she graduated.

As a young mother, Vivian’s household was always a welcoming location for the neighborhood families, whether it was for a swim in the pool, a hang out on the deck, or a game of Mahjong – Vivian loved to be social. This carried on throughout her life. In retirement, Vivian held a large group of friends very close to her heart. She enjoyed traveling, golfing, and card games with these friends. The memories and funny stories meant so much to her that they still provided her such joy even as she struggled with dementia more recently.

Vivian was a devote Catholic and lifelong parishioner of Saint Christopher Catholic Church in East Hartford. Within the church, Vivian participated in various church ministries, including the Lady’s Guild, the Social Club, a craft group, and as the head collections counter. Vivian loved her faith and the community that she found within Saint Christopher Church.

While having a deep affection for her passions and large social circle, Vivian’s greatest love of all was her family. She held such fondness and warmth for her entire family, and always enjoyed reminiscing about times together.

During this sad time, we are uplifted by the thought that Vivian is now with those that she had missed so dearly – her parents, her brother and sister, many close friends, and most of all her loving husband. And we have hope that she is once again enjoying all of her heartwarming memories and passions that she missed dearly on earth these last few years.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Saint Christopher Catholic Church, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford at 11:00 am with visiting hours beginning at 9:30 am at D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. A burial will follow the funeral service at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17 Wickham Road, Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charitable organization of Dementia Society of America, 188 N Main St., Doylestown, PA 18901 https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate . For on line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com