Vivian Petz, 89, passed away on October 2nd. She was predeceased by husband Michael Petz, a teacher in the Southington School System and daughter, Cynthia Petz, an attorney in MA. She is survived by a sister Sandra Dietrich, several nieces and nephews, and many good friends.
Vivian was born in Pennsylvania on September 8, 1927, daughter of the late Edward R. Berie and Tamie E. (Walters) Berie. She was also predeceased by her brother, Paul Berie.
Vivian graduated from Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA., and obtained her teaching certificate from Penn State University and her Master’s Degree from New Britain College, New Britain, CT. She also took additional credit courses at Central CT State University, in New Britain, CT. Her teaching career began in PA, Dalmatia school system and Northumberland High School teaching Life Skills and Social Studies. Then she and her family settled in Southington, CT where she taught Home Economics for 36 years at John F. Kennedy Jr. High School. A member of ADK, Vivian had many wonderful friends from the Southington School System especially Bette Ann, Carol, Barbara, Dale and Ceil. Other dear friends included Dottie and Tammy and Lou.
She had an appreciation for the arts and painted in multiple mediums, with a particular eye for landscapes and portraits. Her portrait of her daughter Cynthia was hung in the law office where she began her career at the special request from her friends and fellow attorneys. Her art work was displayed along with friend and fellow artist Lenny in the public library in Orange, CT.
Vivian had a lifelong love of learning and traveled extensively enjoying many cultures and countries around the world. She was an avid reader, loved history, old movies, bird watching, flowers especially lilacs, opera and classical music, fried oysters and lobster. She kept active even after cancer surgery, sharing good times bowling with Captain Bailey, Emily and Erica. She will be remembered for her generosity, resilience, determination to do things on her own terms and sense of humor even in difficult times regarding her own health.
At Vivian’s request there are no calling hours. Burial will be in St Thomas Cemetery in Southington. CT. Visit www.dellavecchia.com for online tributes. Donations in her memory may be made to Christian Appalachian Project, PO Box 55911, Lexington, KY, 40555. http://www.fbamc-ky.org/index.html. The DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington is assisting the family with the arrangements.