Obituary of Vivian McAllister

Vivian McAllister, passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2022, in Shelton, Washington. She was 84. She was born on January. 10, 1938, in West Jordan, Utah, to Vivian Atkin and Grace McAllister. Vivian married at a young age and commenced to doing what would become her life’s greatest work and the source of her life’s greatest joy: having a family. Her ability to see beauty and find joy in the simplest things was one of her most admirable traits. Pine cones; autumn leaves; driftwood; rainbows; rocks. Oh, the rocks! Loved ones knew to walk right past the souvenir shops and instead, to gift her with a rock, from the beach, or ball field, or path, wherever their busy lives took them. Vivian found solace in nature. Favorite pastimes included watching the sunset at a beach. Taking a picnic to a park and feeding the ducks. Writing a letter at a river’s edge. Roasting marshmallows over a campfire. Her kindness to strangers was an example to everyone who knew her. She would always offer a helping hand to those less fortunate - even if her own resources were limited. Her generosity with children was delightful to witness: who could ever forget the look of unbridled joy on the face of a child when she’d tell them, “you can have anything in my house,” (and meant it). A lifetime of caring for others aptly describes her vocation: delivering babies; caring for the elderly; everything in between. Vivian had a profound love and appreciation for music, especially musicals, and her children are the beneficiaries, growing up in lives filled with song. She loved poetry and books, and would often press flowers and leaves between the pages. She will be remembered for her sense of humor. She loved to share a joke and always welcomed a new audience. She had countless axioms and nuggets of wisdom – always timely and appropriate. Vivian is survived by six children: Kris Berra; Mike Smith, (Marie); VerNonn Burkey, (Brad); Steve Smith, (Camille); Teresa Smith, (Alice); Anthony Smith, (Lori); a brother, John Kilmer, (Marjorie); 19 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Smith; her parents; sisters, Jane, Grace, Kitty, Mary; and a brother, Bob. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A Celebration of Life for Vivian will take place on June, 10, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation in her honor to your local Senior Center, or to the family up the road who could use a little help.