Louise Viviano, 87, of Pekin, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2012, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Louise was born February 10, 1925 to Albert and Viola (Vogelsang) Chown in Peoria.
She married the love of her life, Gene Viviano, upon his return from World War II, on June 29, 1946 in Havana. They were happily married for 66 years.
Surviving are her husband; 2 sons, Gary Viviano of Pekin and Ron (Nancy) Viviano of Creek Canyon, Colorado; 1 daughter, Pam (Jim Jones) Viviano of Hulett, Wyoming; and 1 brother, Arthur (Roselyn) Chown of Macomb.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 1 sister; and 2 brothers.
After graduating from Manual High School, she took a job at Caterpillar as a shipping clerk for four years awaiting Gene’s return from the service.
Their marriage was not only a perfect match, but a successful business partnership as well. She was instrumental in starting the Viviano Construction Company, molding its direction and taking care of running all accounting aspects also.
Past ties were important to Louise. After leaving Caterpillar, she continued to meet on a monthly basis with her fellow office workers, calling themselves the WeMacs (We met at Caterpillar) for over 69 years.
Louise remained involved within the community to the end of her wonderful life. She was a member of the First Methodist Church of Pekin for over 60 years, where she volunteered with the funeral dinner committee. She has volunteered with the Pekin Hospital League as an active member since 1968.
She also was a member of the Pekin Women of the Moose, Chapter 673 and the Pekin Emblem Club # 424.
Louise found great pleasure in life and all it had to offer including traveling, reading, knitting, bird watching, bargain shopping, antiques, and crossword puzzles. She enjoyed playing cards with her weekly group of gals and was well-known for her semi-annual garage sales.
Louise was an incredible wife, mother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. She will remain in our hearts forever.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral homes & Crematory in Pekin. Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the funeral. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Hospital League, 600 S. 13th St., Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
