Vivian Blackmore

Vivian Marie Blackmore, 94, of Mission Viejo, CA, formerly of Tappen, ND, passed away on July 19, 2009, in California. Memorial Services for Vivian will be held Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 2:00 pm at the Congregational United Church of Christ located on Spitzer farm south of Dawson. Interment will be next to her husband Hansen, in Fisher Cemetery Tappen, North Dakota. Vivian was born on June 15, 1915 in Tappen North Dakota to Alvin and Betty Heiss farmers south of Tappen. She was educated in rural schools in Tappen through 8th grade and then graduated from high school in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1933. Vivian attended the Business College of Jamestown and after graduation from that school, taught shorthand, typing, and bookkeeping in Mandan, North Dakota. Vivian was united in marriage to Hansen E. Blackmore on November 8th, 1937. From this union five children were born, LaVaun W. Schlegel of Freeport, IL, Janice E. Linsenbard of Fullerton, CA, Renae K. Harris of Seattle, WA, and Mavis M. Scott of Lake Forest, CA; a fifth daughter, born to Vivian and Hansen, Betty Irene, died in infancy. Vivian was the Rural Route Mail Carrier in Tappen, ND, from 1947 as a substitute for her husband, Hansen, who was the full time carrier. She then successfully passed the government Civil Service Exam and worked in the Tappen Post Office until her husband’s retirement in 1970. At that time she was appointed into the full-time mail carrier position. She retired after 35 years in the postal service in September 1982 While living in North Dakota, Vivian was an active member of the Homemakers, the Congregational Church and it’s Ladies Aid Society. Her other activities included the Order of the Eastern Star, Steele Chapter for which she was elected Worthy Grand Matron. Always known for her community service and involvement, Vivian served on the Welfare Board of Kidder County and the Tappen School Board. In 1986, Vivian sold the family home in Tappen and moved from North Dakota to California to be near two of her daughters. Vivian enjoyed a wonderful active lifestyle in Mission Viejo, her new California home. She was a faithful member of the Mission Viejo Christian Church and enjoyed participation in the Young at Heart Group of that church. She also joined the Ceramics Club of the retirement community, Costa del Sol, where she lived. As she did in North Dakota, Vivian believed in giving back to her community. She was recently honored by the city of Mission Viejo, for over 20 years of dedicated and outstanding service to the Mission Viejo Senior Citizens Organization. She also participated for many years in that cities annual Red Letter Day Walk which promotes a healthy environment and life style for today’s youth. Up until her death, Vivian was physically active enjoying her exercise and swimming classes. Vivian is survived by her four daughters; her three grandchildren, Blayne Bodvig LaVaun Palo, IA, Kristopher Scott Mavis Los Angeles, CA, and Courtney Linsenbard Janice Fullerton, CA, her brothers, Robert and Dale Heiss and her sister, Betty Lou Kelly all of CA; and various nieces and nephews. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter; and three brothers.

Vivian Blackmore

June 15, 1915 - July 19, 2009