Vivienne Virgene Hertz

Carbondale –The Hertz family lost their beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Vivienne V. Hertz, 89, who passed away at a family home on March 27, 2018. After a valiant effort to cope with her multiple health challenges, she left for her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family. Her parents, James and Anna Lucas, husband Donald Hertz and brother, Vernon Lucas, are already there.



Vivienne was born on July 26, 1928 in Pontiac, Illinois, and moved to Kankakee with her family as a child. She was in the Kankakee High School Class of 1946, although she attended high school for one year in Alexandria, Virginia where she worked in the Pentagon during World War II.



Vivienne received her B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University in 1950. Also, in 1950 she married her high school and college sweetheart, Donald Hertz. They were married for 66 years. Survivors include their children; James Gilbert (Frankfort, IL), Jon Donald (Ingleside, IL), Jeffrey Michael (St. Charles, MO), and Marcia Branning (Miramar Beach, FL). Their spouses are Janet, Renee, Dali Hertz, and Wade Branning. Vivienne’s fourteen grandchildren are; Vickie Fick (Matt), Kelly Siebert (Chad), Paul McGowan (Rachael), Keri Hernandez (Peter), and Joseph Hertz; Sean Hertz (Kristen), Shanna Freeman (Ben), Corey; Ashley and Nicholas Hertz; Steven and Colleen Swenson, and Wes and Grace Branning. Her six great grandchildren are; Travis and Grace Fick; Lola and Beau Siebert, Harry McGowan and Kaden Hertz. Other survivors include a niece, Karen Baker and a nephew, Kerry Lucas and their families.



After college Vivienne was an elementary school teacher in Kankakee, Illinois and Del City, Oklahoma. She moved to Carbondale in 1965 and subsequently earned an M.A.in English, Ph. D. in Higher Education and a

B. A. in Art; all from Southern Illinois University. In 1968 Vivienne began teaching Technical Writing at the School of Technical Careers at SIU and taught there until her retirement from full-time teaching in 1988. She also taught at military bases throughout the world and gave lectures in England and the Philippines. In 1980 she was named the outstanding teacher for the School of Technical Careers and she served in SIU’s Faculty Senate from 1980-1982. For ten years Vivienne was the editor of the Journal of Studies in Technical Careers.



When not teaching, Vivienne enjoyed Tennis, Golf and Bridge and competed in many tournaments for all three. She was a member of the American Contract Bridge League from 1950 until her death. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carbondale. Vivienne also enjoyed world travel and meeting people. Vivienne had a zest for life, was spontaneous and courageous.



Memorial services for Vivienne will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, Carbondale, with the Rev. Alan Rhein officiating. Visitation will be from 11a.m-1pm at the church preceding the service. Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements.



Memorials to the Donald Hertz Scholarship Fund made in care of the SIUC Foundation are the preferred remembrance. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the church or funeral home.