Vivian Frances Curry

Our beloved mother, Vivian Frances Curry, peacefully passed away on May 21, 2026, in Roseville, California at the age of 100. Vivian Frances Wille was born on September 27, 1925 in Toledo, Ohio, to Emily Anderson and Frank Wille. Her mother’s parents immigrated from Sweden in the 1890’s, and her father’s parents immigrated from Germany during the same time period.

Vivian is survived by her children: Diane Ream, Susan Pace (and husband Rick Pace), Vivian Brammer, and her daughter-in-law, Joan Curry. Vivian also had a son, Albert Craig Curry, who preceded her in death in 2012. Her seven grandchildren are: Amanda Ream, Tim Ream (and wife May Yip), Courtney Ream, Erin Molina (and husband Fran Molina), Kelly Curry, Albert Craig Curry II and Marie Brammer. She also had two great grandchildren: Emily Ream and Allison Ream. Her husband Albert Curry preceded her in death in 2008. Her sisters Colleen Anderson and Norma Rose Karafa preceded her in death as well.

Vivian graduated from Wait High School in 1943 during the height of World War II. Following graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper for several years. Vivian met Albert Curry of Bristol, Pennsylvania in 1944 at a USO dance, and it was love at first sight for Albert. He convinced Vivian that their relationship was predestined since she had always lived on Albert Street. Albert must have been convincing. They married in 1945, near where Albert was stationed with the U.S. Army. They settled into married life and had three children in Toledo, Ohio while Albert worked as a union house painter.

Inspired by the warm weather he experienced in Arizona as a CCC worker during the 1930’s, Albert convinced Vivian to move to the West Coast. In 1954 they settled in Pomona, California, where their fourth child was born. Vivian loved being a wife and mother. She encouraged her children to tell her stories about their daily events, and enjoyed a good plot twist. Her children knew their experiences were important to their mother. When Albert got home from work she would say, “Al, you have to hear what these kids did today!” Robust storytelling would become a shared family trait.

They relocated to Sacramento in 1971, and later to Roseville in 1973, a move inspired by the beauty of Northern California and to be near Albert’s Cousin Bud. After raising their children, Vivian and Albert went on many cross-country road trips to visit friends and family in Ohio and Pennsylvania, often with a stop in Las Vegas. Albert enjoyed history and Vivian accompanied him on many trips to historical sites, patiently listening to his in-depth narrations.

Vivian and Albert loved being grandparents to their seven grandchildren. They were always willing to babysit and that frequently involved a trip to Gold Bug Park or Sam’s Town to play video games. All types of card games were another source of entertainment for their grandchildren. Vivian and Albert made the most out of every Christmas, visiting all their grandchildren with perfectly wrapped presents. The family gathered every Fourth of July, a tradition that continues to this day.

Acquiring a Roseville Library card in 1972, Vivian remained an avid reader over the years. She read newspapers and books daily right up to the end of her life.

Vivian had an incredible, quiet sense of humor, and could wrap up a tale with a wry observation after everyone had told their version of events. She loved to play cards, and could beat anyone in the family by a healthy margin.

Vivian was a generous and loving parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent to her family, and she will be forever in their hearts. Her love was truly unconditional, and her kindness will stay with them always. All who knew her would agree that it was an honor to be loved by Vivian.

A private Graveside Service will take place at Roseville Cemetery, 421 Berry St, Roseville, CA 95678