At 5 foot 3, with a slender frame, Vivian Moss was small in size, but mighty in spirit.
Devoting most of her 107 ½ years to caring for others, first as a nurse, and always as a mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her kindness touched everyone, who was fortunate to be a part of her life. Vivian’s nurturing nature also found purpose in her kitchen where she prepared gifts of homemade pickles, relishes, and famous homemade jams.
Her legacy gift to the Heart Institute is a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to care, fueling breakthroughs and hope for generations to come – ensuring future patients and families receive the same care received by her beloved husband. Vivian and Eldon Moss met when they were 16, married a decade later, and worked hard to build a life for their three daughters, Tanya, Marsha, and Shauna.
They enjoyed many wonderful years together, with a shared love of music, staying active, golfing, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Vivian’s daughter, Tanya, remembers her parents’ gratitude: “They had a great deal of thankfulness for the Heart Institute.” She remembers her mom saying, “I’ll always be thankful to the Heart Institute for giving your father extra time”. To honour her husband and thank the Heart Institute, Vivian chose to leave a legacy gift in her Will.
Vivian Moss as a young woman in her nursing uniform
In her role as a dedicated nurse, Vivian embodied quiet diligence and believed wholeheartedly in the power of medical science. Her career in nursing inspired two generations of her family to work in the medical field. When her daughter Shauna graduated from nursing school, she remembers a beautiful letter that her mother wrote to celebrate her achievement. In the letter, Vivian reminded her to “remain dedicated”, and “keep that personal touch” with her patients.
Grateful for the care her husband had received, Vivian began donating regularly to the Heart Institute and included a legacy gift in her will. Her gift will make it possible for the Heart Institute to continue its cutting-edge research, patient-centred excellence, and high-quality treatments, using state-of-the-art equipment, and training for the future.
Vivian’s generosity ensures that her commitment to caring for others continues well beyond her lifetime and reminds us that the power to change the future rests in each of our hands.
You too, can give the gift of cherished memories to tomorrow’s patients and their loved ones.
To learn more about legacy giving please contact Elizabeth Rodgers at erodgers@ottawaheart.ca or visit the Legacy Giving page.
