Obituary

Vivian Gertrude Hritz was born Friday, April 9, 1937, in Johnstown, PA. She was the only child of Henry and Norma (Haberkorn) Guillermod. She grew up in Daisytown Borough. From the time she was a young girl, Vivian wanted to be a nurse. After graduating from Johnstown High School in 1955, she went to nursing school at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Vivian graduated from nursing school and began her career in nursing as a Registered Nurse. Over the course of forty-five years, she worked at CVMH, the Bethlehem Steel Dispensary, Lee Hospital, and in 1982 she became an instructor for the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Greater Johnstown Area Vocational Technical School. There she taught hundreds of students and started them on their own journeys to become nurses. Not only did she provide the knowledge and skill required to be successful, she gave her students the understanding that where nursing is rooted in science, it continues to grow with care and dedication. During her tenure as a teacher, Vivian returned to the classroom as a student as well. She entered the RN to BSN program at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown taking evening classes to earn her degree. In May 1995, Vivian marched at her college graduation earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She continued her nursing journey until her retirement in 1999. During her early years growing up in Daisytown, Vivian met a friend who lived just a few blocks away. Vivian and her friend were three years old when they played together for the first time in a sand pit under a porch. Her friend’s name is Richard. He was just her age and they always had fun playing together. Vivian and Richard were always close friends, playing together as younger children, and as they grew older, hanging out with the same group of kids in their small town. Eventually, their friendship evolved and took a romantic turn and they found themselves starting down a new path together. After high school graduation, when Vivian was in nursing school, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force. His travels first took him west to Colorado, then shortly after an ocean away to England. Time and distance only deepened the bonds between the nurse and the airman. On April 28, 1962 Vivian and Richard said, “I do.” During their marriage of nearly sixty-one years Vivian and Richard’s love for one another grew and a new family was born… Vivian’s daughter Tana, is her first child. Tana is married to Charles Burke, but shares three children: daughters Tiffini and Brianna, and son Aron, with her first husband Scott Wagner who is a beloved member of Vivian’s family. Vivian’s second child, Richard, is married to Mary (Iverson). Richard followed in his dad’s military footsteps and is an active member in the USAF. Vivian’s third child, Marc, is married to Michelle (Robine). Like his mom, Marc is a RN-BSN, and Michelle is also a nurse. Their children are daughters Morgan and Kara, and sons Wyatt and Wynston who they share. Alec is the fourth born child of Vivian and he is married to Angela (Martin). Alec also took his place in the USAF and retired after more than twenty years of service. Their daughters are: Hayden, Rylee (married to Derek Guthrie), Carson, Holley, and Brooklyn. In the years after Alec was born, Vivian suffered a miscarriage. She always recognized that pregnancy, and anytime she talked about her children, she never failed to mention the baby she lost. Vivian’s fifth child, Ben, is married to Dicie (Cassick). Ben also carries the military dedication and continues to serve in the USAF along with his wife. They share daughter Bryce (married to Logan Cline) and son Tyler. Vivian’s last child is daughter, Desiree. She is married to Greg Conrad. They share son Ethan and daughter Gracen. Vivian’s family is moving into the next generation with her great-grandchildren. Granddaughter Kara is married to Tanner McCall and shares sons: Jaxon and Hank, and daughter Palmer. Granddaughter Morgan is married to Greg Easterbrook and they share son, Grant. Granddaughter Hayden is mother to son Brooks. Vivian loved living. She loved sandy toes from long walks on the beach, camping, fires in the evening, and traveling as much as she could. She adored her husband. The bond they shared was lifelong and strengthened with happiness, joy, sorrow, struggles, good times, bad times, gifts, and losses. Her children were her greatest joys and blessings, and she never missed an opportunity to speak that. Vivian was kind, loving, and genuine. She enjoyed the Hallmark channel more than any one person should. She was devoted to her faith, never failing to pray a rosary every Sunday, and praying on her knees at her bedside every night. In Vivian’s house you never picked up a fork without thanking God for the food on your plate. She also was not afraid to speak her mind and dish the sassiness for which so many people loved in her. Vivian’s greatest challenge came in 2021 when she was diagnosed with cancer. The bravery and courage with which she faced that horrific disease was inspiring to so many. Her optimism for feeling better remained strong even on her darkest days. She was not ready to leave her life here, and never missed a chance to say so. She fought her battle with strength and fortitude that left everyone in awe. Through her greatest challenge her greatest blessings held her up. Her husband, Richard, who she spent eighty-three years loving, provided care for her that was nothing short of exceptional. Her children did everything they could, which could not begin to touch what she had already given to them. And her most recent blessings are the nurses and staff of Conemaugh Regional Hospice. The support, love, care, and friendship they offered has undoubtedly eased Vivian’s tremendous suffering and helped hold an aching family together. Vivian passed away at home on Saturday, January 21, 2023. Her husband held her hand and will be holding on forever. Her children talked to her, as she went with the angels. Vivian certainly has her own wings now, and can finally hold the baby she lost. Visitation with Vivian will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Hindman Funeral Home, 1521 Frankstown Rd., Johnstown, PA 15902. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday January 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Saint Gregory’s Church, 120 Boltz Street, Johnstown, PA 15902. Father Callistus Elue, officiating. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com