Vivian Bell Overall Pillet

Vivian was born on October 2, 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri to Harry and Blanche Overall. She graduated from Research Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, as a Registered Nurse. She practiced in Kansas City until joining the Navy as a nurse in 1942. While serving in the Navy, she met John Pershing Pillet at Mare Island, California, where they were married on June 22, 1943. Until the war ended, Vivian resided in Dallas, Texas with her in-laws, and practiced nursing at Parkland Memorial Hospital. After WWII, she and her husband resided in Alexandria, Virginia from 1954 to 1970, raising their three children: Pennie, Priscilla&John Paul. Vivian truly gave of herself to her family and friends, and always made everyone feel welcome. A beloved mother and avid volunteer with handicapped children in her community; Vivian committed herself to her daughters' Girl Scout troops and always pioneered the family road trips. After her husband retired in 1970, she and John moved to St. Francisville, Louisiana, where they restored her husband's grandmother's house. Vivian became involved with the family church, Grace Episcopal, the Audubon Pilgrimage Society, and volunteered at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge. She was able to travel extensively during this time with her husband, her daughters and their families. In addition, she and John always provided a safe haven for many otherwise unwanted cats. Vivian and her husband moved to St. James Place when her husband developed Alzheimer's. She spent the last eighteen years enjoying her many friends at St. James Place, swimming daily, continuing her travels and caring for her resident kitty cats. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her five granddaughters. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, John Pershing Pillet, and her son, John Paul Pillet. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Pennie Cotter and her husband, Greg, and their daughter, Sarah Elizabeth; and Priscilla Larson and her husband, Joe, and their daughters, Theresa and her husband Lyle Stefanich, Caroline and her husband Dustin Erdmann, Leah and her husband Stephen Hightower, and Rebecca and her husband Corey Hillesheim; and four great-grandchildren. Her family would like to give special recognition and heartfelt thanks to Renee Pollard, her friend and caretaker for the last four years. Renee truly enhanced Vivian's final years, providing generous care and companionship. Vivian passed away on February 18, 2015. A memorial service is planned in June at Grace Episcopal Church, Friday, June 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate Vivian's life.