Vivian V. Tanber

Vivian Victoria Bardwell Tanber died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, where she was a patient several days. She was 91.  For most of her life, Vivian was in constant motion, always carrying a big, warm smile for friends and strangers alike. She had a gift for lifting the spirits of those around her with her positive, upbeat attitude and youthful exuberance.   Vivian had many talents. Early on, she was an award-winning cake decorator and floral arranger. She later designed and cultivated one of the Toledo area’s first Japanese gardens - and a home to match. She could cook, bake and entertain her many friends and family members with the best of them. Vivian had an enormous zest for life, which continued well into her later years.  She enjoyed speed skating into her 70s. She spent hours in her beloved garden well into her 80s. And she continued her water aerobics routine, which started in 1984, until two months before her death.  Vivian was known for a variety of expressions that fit all situations. Called Vivian-isms, they ranged from “A chance in a million” [Daughter rekindles relationship with old beau]; to “I’m in my glory.” [After completing her water aerobics routine]; “Let’s talk turkey.” [Any time she wanted a serious discussion with her husband or children]; “I needed that like I need a hole-in-the-head” [Doing anything that caused unnecessary aggravation.]; and “That was the ultimate!” [Any great experience.] Vivian was born May 22, 1923 in Toronto, Canada to Joseph and Rose Bardwell, immigrants from Hasbayah, Lebanon and Damascas, Syria.  The eldest of five daughters, Vivian was a standout runner and speed skater as a youth.  As a teen, she kept an eye on her four younger sisters while her parents ran the family housecoat manufacturing business, J. H. Bards Ltd.   On June 28, 1947, Vivian married George W. Tanber and moved to Toledo. She raised three children, kept a meticulous house and delved into her many hobbies. She later was employed as a bookkeeper at her husband’s business, B-W Auto Paint. Vivian passionately loved her four equally vivacious and entertaining sisters and first cousin, Eleanor; cars and driving fast; sports on TV, especially figure skating, golf, and college basketball and football; Stranahan Theater plays and musicals; dancing, especially the Arabic dubke; the tri-annual family reunions in Muskoka, Canada; and St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, where for more than five decades she arranged the Good Friday, Elevation of the Cross and Adoration of the Cross flowers, and baked her famous bird’s nest cookies. She rarely missed a Sunday and was especially fond of the church choir.   More than anything, Vivian loved her children, whom she nurtured, mentored, encouraged and formed an unshakable bond. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, George.   Surviving are a son, George J. [Laurice] Tanber of Toledo; daughters, Terri [Dave] Kozy of Perrysburg and Wendy [Wayne] Staley of Travelers Rest, S.C.; sisters, Claire Haddad and Josephine Abraham [Bill] Scott of Toronto, Gladys Darah of Toledo, and Rose Marie [Bill] Cook of Montreal; grandchildren, Adam [Sarah] and Jake Staley, Mara and Leila Crestani; and great-grandchildren, Sienna and Cameron Staley. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 12 from 2 to 8 p.m. at St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 4940 Harroun Rd., Sylvania, where a Trisagion service will be at 7:30 p.m.  Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. in the church with V. Rev. Archpriest Ayman Kfouf presiding. Interment will be at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Walker Funeral Home will be handling arrangements. The family suggests contributions to St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 The family would like to thank the staff at Alexis Gardens, especially Michelle Cousino; Ashlyn, Summer and Jordin of Village Care/Senior Helpers; Shirley Simmons; and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their support and care of Vivian. Memory eternal.