Vivia Viola James

Vivia was a loving mother of Mary Elizabeth Kozak and Hope Delores Hori. - Cherished grandma of Tanya, Kimberley (Paul), Mathew (Lisa), Timothy (Cindy), Adam, Alex and Julia (Alex). - Sweet Great-ma to Nicholas, Noah, Lucas, Isabella, and Jensen “JJ”. – Also a loving sister to Florence Dicker and Tica Chin.

Vivia was predeceased by her parents Irene Senior and Cecil James, also by brothers Bobby (Royston, deceased), Cecil (Frances, deceased), Glen (Hazel, deceased) and her sister Cynthia.

She was known as Aunt “Vivy” to all of her nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

Vivia was born in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She also lived in Kingston and from there in 1969, she moved to Canada with her two daughters.

She worked for Towers Department Store when she arrived in Canada.

Vivia was an accomplished artist and embroiderer.

She was also an active member of her church, singing in the choir for many years. Vivia first belonged to Scarborough Gospel Temple and later attended Evangel Pentecostal Church in Oakville. Vivia sponsored needy children from across the world for over 40 years, and also volunteered at Huntley Ministries for several decades.

Vivia was a very social person who made life-long friends.

She lived in Oakville for a period of time to help daughter Hope and son-in-law Ken raise Adam, Alex and Julia.

Vivia waltzed with Adam at the Community Living Burlington Christmas dance for many years. Their song was Elvis’ “Can’t help falling in love with you”.

Due to current pandemic restrictions, a private family service on June 21st 2021 will be held at Jerrett’s Funeral Home, 660 Kennedy Road, Scarborough, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Evangel Pentecostal Church would be appreciated, 1450 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario, L6L-1Z7.