Much to the surprise of her parents, Craig and Gwen (Mullet) Zimmerly, Vivian Catherine made her entrance into this world at Secrest Arboretum at 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 in a one pound, fourteen ounce whirlwind.
She spent her short life at Akron Children s Hospital, where her feisty personality and fighting spirit became quickly apparent to her medical team. They chuckled at the way she let them know quickly and decisively how she felt about any changes they made to her treatment. They described her as miraculous , amazing and a blessing. Her doctors and nurses firmly believed that Vivian s medical triumphs were achieved through her strength and the power of prayer.
Vivian loved to cuddle, listen, grab on tightly to her sister s finger and feel her parents touch.
When the diagnosis came that she would not be physically healed in this life, Vivian gave her family a beautiful gift of thirty peaceful hours to hold, snuggle, kiss and sing. She passed away in the arms of her mother on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 10:48 p.m.
Along with her parents, she is survived by her amazing sister, Sadie Covert; grandparents Richard and Joyce Zimmerly and George and Cindy Mullet; aunts and uncles Todd and Katie Zimmerly, Brian and Angie Zimmerly, Chad and Sarah Zimmerly, Geoffrey Zimmerly, Andy and Kellie Mullet, Kelsey Mullet and Brenda Stallman; numerous cousins and hundreds of prayer warriors. She was preceded in death by her uncle Gavon Mullet.
The family would like to thank Dr. Protain, Dr. Schlager, Christen, Jessica, Conner, Tomilee, Brittney, Lea, Allyson, Karen and the countless other physicians, nurses, social workers and palliative care team who laughed, cried, prayed and fought for our baby girl s life like she was their own. Your love and dedication to sweet Vivian and our family will never be forgotten.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, Wooster. A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Cross United Methodist, Wooster, followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Private burial will take place at the Prairie Township Cemetery in Holmesville.
Memorial contributions can be made in Vivian s honor to the Akron Children s Hospital Foundation, NICU Fund, 1 Perkins Square, Akron, Ohio 44308.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial contributions can be made in Vivian s honor to the Akron Children s Hospital Foundation, NICU Fund, 1 Perkins Square, Akron, Ohio 44308.
Service
Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Church of the Cross United Methodist, 5100 Cleveland Rd., Wooster.
Visitation
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 6-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home
So sorry for your loss. Hugs, thoughts, & prayers with all of you.
I’m so sorry for your loss! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers.
– Reon, Jared, Max and Luciana
We are so sorry for the loss of your daughter. You are in our prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Words can never express the sad feelings felt by so many at the news of the passing of your sweet baby girl. My deepest sympathies to you and your extended families. God bless you all.
I am so so sorry for the loss of your daughter. Your family will remain in my prayers.
What a special blessing little Vivian was to both families. Sometimes a special angel touches many lives and leaves us with memories and love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Gwen, Craig and Sadie,
I am so sorry for your pain and sorrow. Your sweet Vivian was a tiny but bright light in this world and she no doubt made an enormous impact on everyone around her. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Melanie
Craig and Gwen and Sadie, There can be no more greater heartache than for parents to lose a child, whether that child is 10 days, 10 months, or 10 years old, or older. We were saddened to hear of your loss of little Vivian Catherine. Please know our hearts and prayers are with you. Your beautiful little one now has her wings.
To Vivian’s Family and Friends, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. May God, and the many good memories, sustain you; now and also in the future.. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your families. Sorry we missed services. Sincere condolences from Art Beerys, Smithville, Ohio
May God provide you with the peace that only he can give you during this difficult time. You are all in my prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss.