Daughter of the late Patrick Joseph Collins and the late Anne Catherine Collins (née MacLellan). Survived by many cousins and good friends, including her lifelong best friend Deen Olsen and her much-loved godson, Will Caron (Dave Charbonneau).
Vivian was born in Moncton, New Brunswick and also lived briefly in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Although her time there was short, the Maritime people, music and scenery remained forever in her heart.
At age four, Vivian moved with her parents to Montreal where she grew up, eventually graduating from Loyola College (now Concordia University) with a degree in economics. In 1972, she moved to Ottawa. It was meant to be an eight-month stay to study journalism at Carleton University but she fell in love with the city and spent the rest of her life there.
Vivian was a dedicated public servant (1973-2006) who brought her communications, policy analysis and organizational skills to a number of important government initiatives for which she received several Deputy Minister and departmental awards. While she worked on a variety of social and economic policy issues, her particular interest was in the area of equality and human rights both within Canada and internationally. Over the course of her career, she also helped to mentor many new public servants and took great pride in their accomplishments.
Vivian enjoyed reading, writing, food (mostly eating, but sometimes cooking), dance, fitness, yoga, gardening, travel, CBC radio, Saturday mornings with the Globe and Mail crossword puzzle, Sunday brunch, being by (but not in) the water and spending time with friends. When she retired, her goals were to be a Lady Who Lunches (at which she was spectacularly successful) and to learn to play golf (which she approached with a lot of enthusiasm but not much talent).
Vivian cherished her wide circle of girlfriends, some of whom dated back to elementary school. Together with the good men in their lives, these friends were always there for her and supported her in more ways than they ever knew.
Those wishing to honour Vivian’s memory are encouraged to do something to help those who are less fortunate.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a mass in memory of Vivian will be held at a later date.
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