Vivian T Markham

Vivian Tuerk Markham, age 95 of Duluth, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Parc at Duluth. Vivian was born in Chicago on February 11, 1931, to the late Conrad and Marie Tuerk. Vivian was the oldest of four siblings, Conrad “Connie” Tuerk Jr. and John “Jack” Tuerk, who both predeceased her, and Robert “Bob” Tuerk, of River Forest, Illinois.

Vivian graduated from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1952.

In 1953, Vivian married William J. “Bill” Markham in Oak Park, Illinois. It was a lively union that endured for 66 years until Bill’s passing in 2019. Vivian and Bill settled in Atlanta in 1963, and raised five sons: Bill Jr. (Mary Ann, fiance’), Terry (Elizabeth), Rob (Nancy), Tim (Resa), and Chris (Wendy). True to their Catholic faith, Bill and Vivian put all five boys through Catholic education at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School and St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Vivian was “Granny” to 11 grandchildren: William lll, Michael, John (Casey), Madoline Koonce (Jeff), Laura Salinas (Oscar), Patrick (Elizabeth), Kaley Jabs (Connor), Chandler, Matt (Rachel), Mallory, and Elizabeth, and “Great Granny” to nine great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

Vivian spent many years teaching kindergarten and French to elementary students at Wesleyan Day School.

Vivian was the consummate hostess for countless gatherings of family and friends. When Vivian and Bill were young, they moved south to Greensboro, North Carolina (and eventually to Atlanta), where she began creating their own special holiday traditions with candle light and beautiful table settings. Over the years, she perfected the art of the holiday. From cocktails to appetizers to a dazzling meal and dessert, her caring attention to detail was unparalleled. She cherished family traditions: eggnog in Santa cups on Christmas Eve; delicious cookies made from scratch; her father’s baptismal gown worn by Markham children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and her mother’s sausage stuffing lovingly served at Thanksgiving (“add some chicken broth so it doesn’t get dry”). She instilled those traditions in her family and made every event—whether grand, mundane, joyous, or somber—a festive occasion filled with funny stories, rambunctious children, and shared faith.

A devout Catholic, Vivian was active at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (IHM) for 63 years. She participated in every aspect of the IHM parish including music, liturgy, choir, women’s guild, and prayer groups. In 2008, Vivian was recognized by the Atlanta

Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women as IHM’s Woman of the Year. Vivian pursued her many other interests with vigor: traveling abroad, playing tennis, volunteering for the High Museum of Art, and watching Notre Dame football. She had a passion for reading and always had a book that she was happy to discuss and share. Vivian was also a prolific writer, and she frequently wrote letters to family and friends to impart what was on her mind.

Vivian left an indelible mark of love on every member of the Markham family, and they are grateful for the devotion, memories, and traditions that she shared with each one of them. They celebrate 95 years well-lived and take comfort in knowing that she is now in great company with her husband Bill, son Rob, grandson Major William, great-grandson Bowman, daughter-in-law Brenda, and many other family members in heaven.

The family invites you to join them in the celebration of her life on Monday, March 2nd at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. The family will receive friends starting at 1 p.m. Interment to follow at Arlington Memorial Park, Sandy Springs.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Cancer Society.