Vivian Mae (Platt) Spezio

Vivian was born on September 28, 1941 in Pocopson, Pennsylvania. Vivian's parents, Clifford Jay and Eva Mae Platt, had seven children, of whom, Vivian was the youngest.

The family eventually settled in Oneonta, NY where they created many wonderful memories. Vivian fondly remembered her mother daily preparing meals and going through an astronomical amount of bread to provide lunches for her seven children and husband. One of Vivian's early memories included traveling with her father on deliveries to other cities across the state. She recalled that her mother would pack their lunches, but her father would often treat her to a soda pop or a sweet along the way, fostering her immense love for treats. Vivian inherited her warm heart, love of puzzles and games, and sharp sense of humor from her family.

She attended Oneonta City Schools before starting her career as a seamstress at Oneonta Dress Factory. She also worked as a cafeteria aide at Laurens Central School and later as a cashier at Price Chopper and Walmart, where she retired in 2009. Vivian loved working with people and was known for being sociable, kind, and funny.

She always loved a good bargain and could often be found “shopping the bins” at thrift stores or “treasure hunting” at yard sales. She was an avid collector and crafts lady. She was creative and never passed up an opportunity to alter an outfit!

Vivian and her first husband Edward H. Whispell Sr. shared five children - Catherine Spoor, Teresa Bell-Rose, Deborah Glidden (Vern), Edward Whispell Jr. (Vivian Thurber), and Christine Whispell (Matt Indovina). The two proudly co-parented and taught their family that it is possible to support one another beyond a single household. Vivian considered Ed’s wife, Ginny, a good friend. Their family meant the world to them.

Vivian was preceded in death by her second husband, Peter Salvatore Spezio whom she married in 1997, though the two were committed to each other for over 40 years. They enjoyed many excursions to Lake George. After retirement, they enjoyed time at camp on the Susquehanna River with their pontoon boat and attending family picnics. They found comfort and community by attending Hill City Church in Oneonta.

Though she loved crafting and collecting in her spare time, Vivian’s favorite past time was that as a grandparent. She is survived by 14 grandchildren - Terry Jacobsen Spoor II, Lacey Spoor, Leandra Lorber (Nate), Joshua Bell (Maria Stathoudakis), Marissa Rose, Lindsay Muller (Matt), Cortney Black (Sam), Zachary Glidden, Kayla, Madison, Lee Whispell, Maeve and Fiona Indovina; and 11 great-grandchildren: Takira and Amiah Spoor, Aurora Hanford, Blake, Lemayah, and Wesley Lorber; Eli, Emerson, Everett Muller; Maddux and McKenna Black. She treasured time with her grandkids and loved being able to create special memories through crafting their Halloween costumes, and creating special occasions decor. She attended as many activities as she could manage.

Vivian was preceded in death by her six siblings, Catherine Wellman (Rod), Charles Platt(Eva), Gerald Platt (Sandy), Gene Platt(Barbara), Warren Platt (Wendy), and Ronald Platt (Faye).

Vivian was also preceded in death by sons-in-law Michael J. Bell, Lysle N. Rose, and many wonderful friends. It brings her family comfort to think that many loved ones will be celebrating her acceptance in Heaven.

Vivian’s legacy lives on through her family. She often reminisced about countless memories that could fill your heart with joy and laughter.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, NY, on Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025 at 11am.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4pm at the VFW POST 1417 located at 314 Ellis Rd in Laurens, NY 13796.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Salvation Army, the VFW Post 1417, or HeliosCare.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.

Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.