With her family at her side, Vivian J. Fisher O’Toole, 98, died peacefully at the Ebeid Hospice Center on November 6. For the past two years, she was a resident at Oakleaf Village. Vivian was born on June 3, 1912 to Ross and Mary (Brashaw) Jacobs of Erie, Michigan and remained in this area for most of her childhood. In 1933 she married Frank J. Fisher, and they ultimately settled in Toledo, Ohio. Frank preceded her in death in 1975. She later married Charles “Bud” O’Toole, a long-lost friend, whom she reunited with after a 47 year separation. He died in 1990. Vivian attended elementary school at both St. Joseph’s (Erie) and Banner Oak (Temperance), a one-room school house. Although she did not complete the 8th grade, she was an avid reader with a special fondness for American and English history. Well into her 90’s she would read two or three novels a week, challenging local librarians to find books she had not yet read. She did the crossword puzzle everyday and was rarely stumped for an answer. She loved to play cards, garden and cook, and often treated her family to freshly baked bread and cinnamon rolls. Throughout her life, Vivian devoted herself to her family; however, during WWII, she joined the war effort assembling parts for B29 bomb sights. In her later years, she volunteered for Toledo Children’s Hospital, the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio and Bedford Schools. Up until the time of her death, she could be counted on to assist with mailings, school projects or wherever help was needed. In addition to her two husbands, Vivian was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Jane (Amos) Wotring, Johann (Stanley) Sykes and Suzanne (Eldon) Lane; her son, Joseph Fisher; and grandson, Rick Fisher.
She is survived by sons, James Fisher and John (Maryann) Fisher, daughter, Margaret (Jim) Sander, and Daughter-in-law, Kathy Fisher as well as 10 grand-children, 18 great-grand-children and 1 great-great grandson. The family would like to thank all of the physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals who assisted in Vivian’s care. We would like to especially recognize Dr. Mark Koehl, Dr. Larry Mizelle, and the staffs at Oakleaf Village, Flower Hospital and the Ebeid Hospice Center for their tender and loving care. The family will receive friends at the Pawlak Funeral Home; 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman Rd.); Temperance, MI. on Wednesday, November 10, from 3 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, November 11 at 10 a.m. with graveside services to follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Those wishing to make a donation in Vivian’s name may consider one of the following charities: The Salvation Army, Monroe County Humane Society, the library at Toledo Children’s Hospital (Angie’s Place) or the Ebeid Hospice Center. www.pawlakfuneralhome.com |
