Obituary of Vivian Clarissa Loftus

Vivian passed somewhat unexpectedly but peacefully on July 8^th, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born on May 17^th, 1931, Vivian was the youngest of five siblings and attended Burke school in Melfort from age 6 to Grade 8. The family attended Melfort Church of the Nazarene and in her later years Vivian attended Park Avenue Bible Church. Once she completed Grade 8, she went to work at the Star Department Store. She worked there from the age of 13 until she was married in 1960 at the age of 28. Mr. Rothberg was the manager there at the time and hired both Vivian and her older sister Kathie. Her specialty was working in the menswear department, and many have said that she had a special knack for helping people find just what they needed.

Vivian had a beautiful voice, singing at weddings and even winning a talent show in Prince Albert! But her true passion was playing sports. She especially enjoyed skating, playing hockey, and had a gift on the ball diamond! She could play any position but often pitched or played shortstop and was known on her team as ‘Hurling Aces’. She was also known to be excellent at bat and was often called up if the team was falling behind and needed to bring in a few extra runs. She hit more than her fair share of homeruns!

After Vivian and Norman were married, she moved to the farm where, after only a few years, they lost their home and all their belongings in a fire. They rebuilt and stayed on the farm until around 1978 when they moved into Melfort. With the move back to town, Vivian returned to working in retail for a while which she loved. Norman passed away in 1989 and Vivian stayed in the house for a number of years before moving to Diefenbaker Place where she had her own suite for nearly 20 years. She had lots of friends in Diefenbaker and loved being around people. She was very social and enjoyed visiting with just about anyone, whether in Diefenbaker or around Melfort at the bakery, the Dairy Queen, or Smitty’s. She was also very close with her both of her sisters and either saw or spoke to them on the phone multiple times a day.

Vivian was young at heart and loved collecting teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals, as well as cars and trucks. Her most prized possession was a 1978 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe which Norman had bought from Arcade Motors in Prince Albert. She continued to proudly drive Ford vehicles until she had to give up driving and sell her last car. She missed her car and driving, and talked about it regularly. She often wondered aloud if she should have just kept it, even if she couldn’t drive it!

Around Christmas 2023, Vivian experienced some physical decline and eventually moved to Arborfield Special Care Lodge when a room opened for her there. She moved in January 2024 and enjoyed her time there with the amazing and friendly staff. She was known for having drawers full of chocolate bars and treats (mostly Reese Peanut Butter Cups) and sharing them joyfully with anyone who stopped in for a visit.

Vivian is preceded in death by her parents, Lottie and Joseph Nett; her brothers Earl (Bernice) Nett and Lewis (Eileen) Nett; and her sisters Irene (Archie) Galloway and Kathie (Steve) Sabo. She is survived by her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nephews. Those who knew Vivian will fondly remember her stories, her kindness, and her sense of humour, and will hold their memories of her with love and gratitude.

Memorial contributions in memory of Vivian may be directed to the Arborfield Special Care Home.