Vivian Mostyn

Vivian M. Mostyn (nee Newell)

Age 85 of Morris, passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 11, 2012 at Morris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center after a long valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease. Her loving niece Linda Nagra Herron was at her side to wish Vivian bon voyage for all her family and friends.

Vivian was born November 9, 1926 in Superior, Wisconsin to Almeron Stillman and Alice Bartels-Newell. She was the third of five children. At an early age her family moved to Morris, Illinois where her parents built and founded "Newell's Motel" formerly located near the intersection of Lisbon and Waverly Streets. Vivian was educated at Morris Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Morris Community High School Class of 1944.

Vivian started her working career at an early age alongside her parents and siblings performing all chores required in operating the motel. During her teen years she also worked at the Hornsby's Variety Store in downtown Morris. After high school graduation she discovered her flair for selling fine men's and women's apparel. From the late 1940's until the early 1960's she worked for the Boston Store and Lyttons during the heyday of shopping in downtown Joliet. In the late 1940's Vivian also appeared as a model for women's clothing and accessories for the Boston Store in advertisements published in the Joliet Herald News.

In January of 1953, Vivian married Thomas Daniel Mostyn and they built their home on Route 66, now Interstate 55, on the Mostyn family farm near Romeoville. She had great pride in her beautiful lawns, flowers and trees. Vivian lived in this house for nearly 50 years until moving back to rural Morris with her son.

One of Vivian's greatest enjoyments was her summertime trips to the family log cabin on the Flambeau Flowage near Butternut, Wisconsin. The cabin originally built by her in-laws, then purchased by her and her husband is now owned by her son. Vivian has enjoyed this escape for over 60 years. During the past few years of her limited mobility the trips never stopped. Her devoted nieces Linda Nagra Herron and Sharon Farber, along with Sharon's husband Jack Farber, made sure Aunt Viv made it "up North". With the assistance of Vivian's beloved "Northwoods Neighbors" Tim and Cheryl Hetzer, her adventures continued through this summer. Vivian enjoyed boat rides, wheelchair rides through the woods, and where the wheel chair couldn't go, she was strapped into Cheryl's Jeep for wild road trips!

When Vivian's Parkinson's began to advance 6 years ago, her determined niece Patsy Hutchings encouraged her to enroll in an experimental program at the University of Chicago Hospital. Vivian was accepted and underwent an implant of a deep brain stimulator. This procedure enabled us all to enjoy 6 more years of Vivian's love and generosity. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dr. Jacqueline Bernard of the University of Chicago, the kind support of Dr. Jennifer Jones of Morris and our "never say quit" family member Patsy Hutchings.

Vivian was a generous, loving and true confidant to all her family and friends. She was a longtime member of St. Andrew's Church in Romeoville and a "Cherry Red" Volunteer at St. Joseph's Hospital in Joliet with over 1000 hours of service.

Survived by her son Thomas L. Mostyn of Morris; sister Helen (William Ryder, deceased and Patrick Finan, deceased) Finan of Sun Valley, California; brother Richard A. Newell of Los Angeles, California; sisters-in-law: Lois (Roque) Guso of Saxon Harbor, Wisconsin and Lois Newell of Morris and her godson and nephew Timothy Nagra, as well as many other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband; parents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Leo and Madeline Walsh Mostyn; brother Elmer Newell; sister Florence (John) Nagra; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: William and Jean Stefanech; her godchild and great niece Kelly Hutchings, and dear friend Eileen Ward.

Vivian's family would also like to extend thanks to her past private caregivers Karla Kuriger and Sheryl Peckenpaugh. We are grateful for the professional services provided by Home Instead Senior Care and the friendships developed with Bridgett, Robin, Mary, Diane and Rhonda. During Vivian's last 3 months excellent care and concern was provided by the staff of Morris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and the Joliet Area Community Hospice. We wish to acknowledge our appreciation to two CNA's that demonstrated excellent care not only to Vivian, but to our entire family - Robert Preboy and Michael Schauer.

Committal services were held on Saturday February 18, 2012 at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, where Vivian was entombed next to her husband. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were: Tim Nagra, Ron Hutchings, Jack Farber, Scott Hutchings, Cole Herron, Louis Farber and Sam Farber.

Per Vivian's wishes memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780 (www.MichaelJFox.org)

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815/942-2500)