Vivian was born in Brooklyn, NY; her mother’s family was part of the great immigration of Eastern European/Russian Jewish families which came to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her lifespan of 104 years encompassed monumental advances in technology and communications. Vivian witnessed the dramatic changes in the roles of women, and other developments in society.
Vivian spent much of her childhood in the Upper Manhattan home of her maternal Aunt Frances. When the Great Depression took its toll on the family finances, the family moved from West End Avenue to the Ansonia Hotel, where celebrities such as Arturo Toscanini and Florenz Ziegfeld lived. Vivian spoke often of practicing her penmanship in the hotel lobby and seeing famous people walk by.
Vivian learned piano from her Aunt Frances, which started her lifelong engagement with music. Vivian was a talented pianist and also had a flair for drawing. Being interested in fashion, she drew detailed sketches of elaborate dresses and gowns. However, Vivian devoted her time to enhancing her piano skills. Vivian was introduced to the nephew of Aunt Frances’ art teacher. A romance began; Vivian and Maxwell (Max) were married Dec 31, 1939.
Most of Vivian’s adult life revolved around Max. During World War II, while Max served in the Army, Vivian traveled to some of the states within the U.S. where he was stationed.
After the War, Max and Vivian settled in New York City. They had lived for a brief time in the suburbs. However, they both preferred city life, free of the need for a car and the burden of caring for a house. In addition to his work as a graphic artist, Max participated in Veterans Administration (V.A.) activities.
Max died in 2000; which was a heartbreaking loss for Vivian. For their 60 years of marriage, they remained sweethearts. They had no children. After Max’s death, Vivian got involved with volunteer activities, including teaching piano to disabled veterans and playing the piano for various V.A. events. She also sang with a local church and occasionally filled in for the church organist.
Even at the age of 100, Vivian practiced piano many hours a week. Although Vivian was an outstanding classical pianist, she rarely performed for large audiences. She played the piano with extraordinary skill and expression. The small audiences that had the privilege to hear her music were awed.
During Vivian’s advanced years, she still had an active mind. Vivian attributed her longevity to playing piano and healthy eating habits. Vivian will be remembered as a remarkable woman.
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