Vivian Kavanaugh

Ginoogiizhigook

Na’me

March 23, 1948-June 9, 2024

Vivian Kavanaugh passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024, with the love of her life James Snow, her children Tracy Desroches Kavanaugh, and Lester Kavanaugh, brothers Francis Kavanaugh (Betty), Amos Paypompee, Sister LuAnne Kavanaugh, nieces Michelle (Billy), and Kelly (Doug), and her nephew Rudger by her side.

She was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Isaac Paypompee, her biological father Harry Kavanaugh, her maternal grandparents Emily and Alex Tom, paternal grandparents Annie and Charlie Paypompee, biological grandparents Annie and James Kavanaugh, her siblings Norbert Kavanaugh, Lambert Kavanaugh, Thomas Paypompee, Clara Paypompee, George Horton, Mavis Paypompee, Lorna Crow, Cecelia Kelly, Albert Morrison, Allan Henderson, Mable Smith, her nephews Kelvin Kavanaugh, Bruce Kavanaugh Jr., Dayton Kavanaugh, Kevin Shibish, Nazreth Kwandibens, Lavern Kavanaugh and Cody Crow, as well as Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins who have passed before.

She will be greatly missed by her loving partner James, her children Tracy and Lester (Michelle), her grandchildren Shaina, Camden, Trinity, Zhaawanoong, Lyndon, Havana (Toot), and Sammy, her great grandchildren Laken, Andi, Walker, Elliot and Carliah, her brothers Francis (Betty), Don Kavanaugh, Terry Paypompee (Debbie), Norman Paypompee (Anne), Bruce Kavanaugh, Amos (Barb), her sisters LuAnne, Rosanne Kavanaugh, Yvonne Smith (David), Donna Paypompee, Maria O’Cheek, Molly Strong, and Mary Ann Medicine. And many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins all too numerous to name.

Vivian spent most of her adult life living in Winnipeg, and 30 wonderful years with James. They shared an old school kind of love, one of dedication and commitment.

She loved coming home to Naotkamegwanning First Nation, spending a lot of time at her son Les’ home visiting and helping with the children. She loved her children and grandchildren immensely. Always speaking proudly of them.

“Auntie Baby” was a fabulous lady, well kept and beautiful. She loved to wear the color white. Her daughter and nieces grew up wanting to be just like her. Even as adults, often found themselves staring at her, mesmerized by her beauty, her fashion, and the way she carried herself, confident and strong! Attributes now seen in her daughter Tracy, strong and independent!

Vivian was a great cook, she made an awesome carrot coleslaw, oven baked maple beans, and was able to make Bannock just like her mom’s. Through her, her son Les now makes Bannock just like hers and kookums!

She was a meticulous woman, always kept a very clean and tidy home. She loved visitors, and when she knew someone was coming, she would often prepare a home cooked dish. While visiting, she loved to talk about her adult children and how proud she was of them and the people they have grown to be.

Vivian will always be remembered and admired for the strength she carried all her life.

Her children, James and the family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Health Science Center, Naotkamegwanning First Nation and Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.

Wake services will be on Friday June 14, 2024 at 10:00am, and traditional funeral will be on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 10:00am at Northwest Angle #37 Rec Hall led by Howard Copenace.