Vivian Elizabeth Cleary

In Loving Memory of a Life Fully Lived: Vivian Elizabeth Cleary, 88

It is with full hearts and grateful spirits that we celebrate the extraordinary life of Vivian Cleary, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88, just short of her 89th birthday.

Mom had a zest for life, she embodied joy, adventure, and love for God in equal measure. She never met a sunrise she didn’t love, a trail she wasn’t ready to hike, a party she wasn’t ready to attend, nor a grandchild she couldn’t make laugh. She was a woman who rode ATVs like a teenager, grabbed adventure with both hands, including working on a fish processing boat in the Bearing Sea, hiking to the summit of Mt. Whitney—because limits were never part of her vocabulary.

Her heart belonged to God, her family, and the great outdoors. With a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eye, she brought light into every room and inspired those around her to live fully and love deeply. She had a special gift for connecting with children—whether her own, her grandchildren, or any child lucky enough to be in her orbit. Her playful spirit and big hugs made her everyone’s favorite.

Vivian was married to Thomas Cleary who predeceased her, along with two of her beloved sisters, Cathy and Phyllis. She is survived by her sister Ann Schmidt and her three loving children: Thomas (Kim) Cleary, Theresa Leyendecker, and Valerie (Ray) Wilde. Her joy came from her eight adoring grandchildren (Tyra, Keisha, Kirsten, Steven, Mellissa, George, Jeff, Nick, Mary and Tyler); and eight beautiful great-grandchildren (Trayton, Hailynn, Rhydian, Maxwell, Rilaya, Charlotte, Maddox and Wiley)—all of whom carry pieces of her fearless, fun-loving legacy.

Though she has journeyed ahead, her spirit remains in every mountain breeze, every child’s giggle, and every moment of unfiltered joy. She carried the spirit of an angel. We will miss her deeply, remember her fondly, and honor her by living as boldly and brightly as she did.

Rest in peace, Vivian—a true force of nature, now in the eternal sunshine.