Vivian E. Lande

Vivian was born in Chicago on December 14, 1941 to Helen and Alvin Harris. Along with her two brothers, Steven Harris and Erwin Harris, she was raised to be a proud Chicagoan. Though as tough as the city can be, she was carefree and kindhearted, with an innocence that lasted all her life.

As a young woman, she fell in love with Peter Lande, whom she later married. Sadly, Peter passed away a few years after their wedding. Left as a single working mother, struggling to take care of a child with developmental challenges, Vivian did everything she could to make sure that everyone’s needs were met, and that no one in her life felt unloved. She was a loving, caring and nurturing mother, having sacrificed so much for the sake of her child, and all the while was still able to reach out to others as a friend and to be there for those in need.

She was a joy to her parents, a treasure to her friends, and the best mom anyone could ever ask for.

Vivian was a kind, gentle and loving soul, whose light shined even into the darkest of places. She cared about people. She cared about animals too. She would go to those who seemed lonely, uncared for, unwanted, and she would comfort them. If there is such a thing as an empath, she was one. It was her nature to open her heart to those who needed comfort. She looked past the surface, saw beyond the hardest defenses that so many have built up, and she felt empathy for them. She loved those who the world deemed unlovable. She saw beauty in those that the world labeled as ugly. She was kind to those who were usually shown cruelty. She looked for the good in people who are written off as inherently bad. Instead of a slap, she offered a hug.

Vivian (my mom) brought hope when there seemed to be none, and she filled the hearts of those she met with a light that can never be dimmed. She was beautiful inside and out and will be missed beyond words can say.

Vivian is survived by her child Julian (formerly Jennifer) Lande, and her brother Steven (wife, Lenore) Harris.