Vivian L. Maes, 79, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 4:20 PM on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at her home.
On December 1, 1942, Vivian Louise Engel was born in Monterey to Louis and Venis (Lewis) Engel. Growing up she shared her childhood with a sister and two brothers. Proudly she graduated from Monterey High School with the class of 1960.
Later she furthered her education at the Business College of Fort Wayne and earned a Certified Nursing Assistant License with the class of 1996.
On November 14, 1994, Vivian and Robert L. Maes were married in the United Methodist Church at Monterey . They have shared 27 years of life’s adventures.
With a strong work ethic, Vivian worked at the Culver Bank, Monterey School, Bomarko of Plymouth and the Culver Military Academy Alumni Department. After becoming a CNA, she worked at the Munster Medical Center and Rochester Orthopedics of Plymouth and Rochester. Her memberships include Grace United Methodist Church and the Elks Lodge #2021, both of Rochester.
Vivian was the ultimate mother and grandmother. She taught her daughters and grandchildren the value of family and how to love unconditionally. One of her greatest joys was attending any event or occasion involving her grandchildren. It became a special family tradition to have Grandma Viv make and uniquely decorate their birthday cakes. She was also known for her irresistible cinnamon rolls and chocolate cake. With a keen eye for decorating, Vivian had a special gift of turning any house into a home. At an early age, Vivian learned to play the piano by ear and would often sing along with her beautiful voice.
The summer season was her favorite time of year. Hosting family celebrations, boating on beautiful Lake Manitou or enjoying the pool were always enjoyed. As an avid gardener, Vivian planted vibrant colorful flowers to enhance the landscape of her home. Bob introduced Vivian to the Elks Club Golf Course, she loved it and both enjoyed playing the course.
Both Vivian and Bob shared an interest in traveling. Cruising the Mediterranean Sea, sightseeing in Spain, France and Italy were some of their favorite destinations.
Left to cherish Vivian's memory are her husband Bob, her four daughters, Susan (Keller) Maes and husband Mark of Culver, Sheila (Keller) Broeker and husband Tim of Monterey, Nancy (Keller) Davis and husband Rob of Summit, NJ, Rebecca (Keller) Risner and husband Boyd of Plymouth; along with Bob's children Theresa Dirienzo and husband Joseph of WI, Jeffrey Maes and wife Jackie of Homer Glen, IL, Mark Maes and wife Susan of Culver, Stephen Maes and wife Janet of New Lenox, IL; grandchildren, Meagan (Maes) Hladik and husband Matt, Mark Robert Maes, Mitchell Maes, Jonathan Broeker, Jordan Broeker and wife Kelly, Chloe Broeker and fiancé Jacob Craft, Hanna Davis, Ben Davis, Noah Risner, Luke Risner. Also surviving is a brother, Edward Engel of Montana. Their blended family also include, 12 bonus grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; her treasured canine companion, Fannie, a white maltipoo.
Preceding Vivian in death are her parents, sister Ladyne Keller and brother Donald Engel.
The family of Vivian Maes will receive friends from 2:00 - 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 31, 2022 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.
Her celebration of life will be 11:00 AM Monday, August 1, 2022 at the funeral home with a visitation an hour prior to her service. Chaplain Wyatt Smith will officiate.
Private family interment will be in the Riverside Memorial Cemetery of Monterey.
Memorials may be made to CurePSP, (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) @ www.curepsp.org
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
