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Vivian Rae Nelson
August 28, 1937-July 25, 2020
Vivian Nelson obit pic
Vivian Rae Nelson, 83, of Manteca, CA passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2020 with her five children by her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She fought a good fight and had beaten the odds on many levels. She never complained, just lived one day at a time, and kept moving forward.  She hung in there for as long as she could, but she became tired and God knew this, so he took her home. She was very loved and a respected mother of five, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to us all.
   Vivian was born on August 28, 1937 in Berkeley, CA. to James and Juanita Duncan.  She was a longtime resident of Manteca and worked many years at Palm Haven/St. Jude SNF where she retired from. She was liked and admired by all who knew her. Some words to describe her are caring, hardworking, responsible, respectful, determined, private, honest and humble. She lived with great life values and morals, many of which she instilled in her children.  She was our rock, the glue that held the family together. She raised five children basically on her own and always put us first. She was the one we could always call when we needed to talk.  She was always known for making her own decisions. She could be stubborn at times, taking her time to do things. She often said, “you just do what you gotta do, and hope for the best.” And she did, always putting her kids first and did the best she could with what she had.  She was more than our mother, she was our dear friend.  She has gone from this life’s journey to begin her new blessed next life’s journey.  Vivian had outlived the majority of her elder family members.
   She is survived by her brother, Jerry Duncan of Sacamento, and her half-sister, Mary Newsom of Washington. She also had five children, Karen Jenks (Steve), Sherry Stephens, Kenneth Nelson, Mark Nelson and Leslie McDonald, her grandchildren, Noah Jenks, Kendal (Daniella), Nicole Toliver, Megan Toliver (Brandan) Utzerath, Reanna Kirshner, Leila and Lana Nelson, Christopher and Nicole Nelson, Desiree Snuffer, Jeremy (Sarah) Justin Haxton, Steven McDonald and great- grandchildren, Selena, Tatiana, Presley, Kailey, Taylor, Sierra, Teddy, Dakota, Sabrina, Alexandria, Katie, Haley, Scotty, and seven great-great grandchildren.  Losing her is a very heartfelt loss, she will be missed but not forgotten. Forever in our hearts and memories.  Rest in peace Mommy/Nana!
   There will be a private family graveside service on Friday, August 14, 2020, and possible future celebration of life service at a later date (COVID permitting.)   

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Wednesday, August 12, 2020