Vivian Wilson Obituary

Vivian Wilson, age 102, gardener, cook, and much loved "Nana" died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 16, 2010 at Sebring Assisted Care Residence in Madison, Wisconsin. Vivian was born to Edwin and Anna Ekstrand on January 26, 1908 near Cokato, Minnesota. She lived on the family farm until 1926 when she moved to Chicago to attend the Augustana Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating in 1929, and becoming an RN, she moved to Geneva, Illinois and worked as a surgery supervisor at Geneva Community Hospital. She also worked for Dr. Rodney Nelson in Geneva for many years. She enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Lieutenant overseas in the Philippines, among other locations, during World War II. After the war, she married Kenneth Wilson on March 1, 1946. The marriage was blessed with two children - Allen Wilson and Ann Karen (Wilson) Stewart. Kenny died in 1956. Vivian was active in the Geneva Lutheran Church, including singing in the choir for many years and was also in a local bowling league for more than 60 years. She lived in the family home on North Second Street in Geneva, Illinois for about 60 years. She enjoyed cooking Swedish food and baking for her family and friends and was well known for her orange-cinnamon rolls and the dozens of Christmas cookies that she loved to share. Every Christmas she also created an amazing edible gingerbread house for her grandkids. She loved gardening and was known for her "green thumb". She was especially skilled at growing vegetables, African violets, roses and orchids. Vivian loved having her children and grandchildren and all her old and new friends visit her. By example she taught us to work hard, to be generous to others, and to never lose your sense of humor. She is survived by her son, Dr. Allen Wilson. He and his wife, Lindy have three daughters - Anna Britt of Longmont, Colorado; Heidi of Plainfield, Vermont and Erika of Madison, Wisconsin. Vivian is also survived by a daughter, Ann (Wilson) Stewart RN. Ann and her husband, Steve, are parents of four children - Bethany (husband Josh) Spear, Josh (wife Jenna) Stewart, Rebekah Stewart and Mary Stewart - all live in Springfield, Illinois. Vivian is also survived by 4 sisters-in-law: Florence Ekstrand, of Washington, Julia Ekstrand, of Montana, Mary Wilson, of California, and Lu Wilson, of Illinois. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth and her siblings - Irene Ekstrand, Mauritz Ekstrand, Lenus Ekstrand, Marion Thompson and Angeline Thompson, and her brothers - in- law George Wilson, Norman Wilson, Leonard Wilson and Donald Wilson and her sister-in-law Marion Moline. A Celebration of Life service will be on August 14, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the West Side Cemetery in Geneva, Illinois, where her remains will be buried with her beloved husband, Kenny. The family asks that you honor her memory with an act of generosity or kindness toward a loved one.