Vivian Joy Worlein

She was kind, compassionate, smart, funny, and mature beyond her years.

Vivian is survived by her parents, James and Elyzabeth Worlein; her older brother, Henry Worlein; and her younger sister, Charlotte Worlein. She is also survived by her grandparents, Thomas and Mary Latson, and Lola Worlein; her great uncle and aunt, John and Bernadette Latson; her uncle, Benjamin Latson; her aunt, Janel Worlein; and her cousins, Àine Carroll, Fergus Carroll, Amy Doar, Jeffrey Doar, Kevin Doar, Robert Doar, and Lola Worlein-Thompson.

Vivian, nicknamed Ladybug, was a fourth-grade student at Canyon Creek Elementary in Richardson, Texas, where she sang in the school choir. She loved school and learning and was an A student. Vivian particularly loved art class and wanted to become an art teacher when she grew up. Pablo Picasso was her favorite artist. Vivian possessed a truly tenacious spirit which impressed all who met her with how hard she worked and how determined she could be once she set her mind to something. Her imagination and creativity were simply incredible. Playing dress-up was a singular delight. On the biggest dress-up day of the year, Halloween, Vivian adored handing out candy at the most active trick-or-treat spot in North Texas, 2112 Flat Creek Drive. She lived a life of determination and joy despite all she endured throughout her cancer treatment and subsequent rehabilitations.

Vivian loved singing and dancing with her daddy, playing pretend with her sister and friends, being carried upside down by her big brother, and doing crafts with her mommy. Swimming, reading, coloring, and watching movies were some of Vivian’s other favorite activities. Her favorite book was Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and she watched the 1999 version of Annie on a loop. Vivian loved traveling and going away to oncology summer camps, both solo and with her family. Her favorite camp activities included horseback riding, zip lining, swimming, and, of course, arts and crafts. She sang in the Epiphany Choir and was featured as an angel in the Christmas Pageants.

Possessing an amazing degree of emotional intelligence and empathetic awareness of those around her, Vivian acted as a mother hen. She could frequently be counted upon to serve as a mother’s helper for her next-door neighbor while playing in the front yard, to comfort a hurt classmate, or to play peek-a-boo with an overtired baby in the checkout line at Sprouts Grocery.

As an Ambassador for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, a Featured Artist for the Children’s Cancer Fund, an Informational Speaker for Camp Esperanza, and a Medical Ambassador for Make-A-Wish North Texas, Vivian gave of her time and energy to the causes that helped her and the friends she made among her fellow cancer survivors. Naturally, her most joyful contributions were creating art projects for Wish Night during the monthly Make-A-Wish North Texas art parties.

Having lived a life that touched so many people, Vivian was a truly exceptional child. She will be loved always and missed terribly.

A Memorial Eucharist for Vivian will be held at 10 a.m. on February 18, 2017, at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany (421 Custer Road, Richardson, TX 75080). Flowers may be sent to the church or donations may be made in her name to the Children’s Cancer Fund or Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer.

Arrangements under the direction of Sparkman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Richardson, TX.