Vivien Doreen Brannen

Vivien Doreen Brannen (nee Friars) passed away peacefully at home in Toronto on Monday August 21, 2023. She was in her 93rd year. She is the daughter of the late Oscar and Florence Friars (nee Proctor) of Ward’s Creek, New Brunswick.

Viv is survived by her husband John, her sons Glen (Janet) and John (Carolyn), her sister Jean Harris, grandchildren Kyle, Jimmy, Hilary (Dan), Alexander and great grandson, Liam. She is pre-deceased by her son Ian, sister Hazel Kilpatrick, and brother Gerald Friars. Viv graduated from Saint John General Hospital School for Nurses in 1951. She worked in several hospitals in Saint John, Guelph, and at Queensway General in Toronto. In the 1970’s, she was a supervisor at Highbourne Lodge in Etobicoke. She returned to school and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Toronto and pursued a career as a public health nurse for the City of Etobicoke. She loved her career in public health and reluctantly retired in 1994. She was a founding member of the Church of Christ the King (Anglican) in Etobicoke. She served as a deputy church warden and was active in the ACW (Anglican Church Women). She was actively involved with the annual rummage sale, the couples club, and in preparing countless church lunches and teas.

Vivien and John were married in 1955 and through 68 years of marriage they lived in Etobicoke and went “home” to New Brunswick yearly. For 30 years, they enjoyed time at the cottage on the Severn River, where they often hosted friends and family. Their travels took them on multiple cruises, and visits to the USA, the Caribbean, Europe, and South America. Her favourite pastimes included reading, playing bridge and scrabble (where she was the “family champion”). She was a prolific knitter. Her grandchildren were the recipients of many toques, scarves and mittens.

A private family interment service will be held.

A celebration of life service will be held in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders would be appreciated.