Vivian Watz

Vivian Elizabeth Blevins Watz died peacefully on July 29, 2019 at the Heritage Community Nursing Home in Kalamazoo, MI. She was 95 years of age, born on 7/26/1924, in Detroit, MI, the daughter of William and Vivian Duke. Vivian was the second child, arriving two years after her beloved brother, Edward Duke. Vivian grew up in the Detroit area where she met the love of her life, Martin Watz at the age of 14. Her family moved to Marion, Virginia when she was in high school and the separation was hard for both Vivian and Marty. They married on May 31, 1942 at the Holy Name Catholic Church on Van Dyke Ave in Detroit, MI. They were married for 69 years.

World War II took Marty overseas for three years and while he was gone, Vivian wrote faithfully to her husband every day. During the war, she worked 3rd shift at a factory inspecting shells for the war effort. When Marty came home, they bought a home in Harper Woods, MI where they lived for the next 45 years, raising four children. Vivian worked as a telephone operator for many years.

When Martin retired, they began spending winters in Ruskin, Florida where they made many wonderful friends. After Martin died in 2010, Vivian moved to Spring Manor Apartments in Portage, MI where she made many more dear friends. Over the years, Vivian enjoyed bowling, golfing, cards, and especially Bingo. She was affectionately called "Bingo Viv" by her family. She also loved her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren more than anything else in the world. Vivian liked to make people happy. Her motto was "Always leave them smiling!" She was one of the luckiest people in the world – almost always winning at Bingo. She could also always look down and find a four leaf clover.

Vivian is survived by her four children, Diane Watz-Frisinger, Martin, Jr. (Sandra), Janet Glaes (Charles) and Steven (RoseAnn); seven grandchildren, Joshua Frisinger, Melissa Heimbough (Hayes), Jonathan Glaes (Jessica), Tyler Glaes, Natalie Glaes, Steven Watz, and Alexandra Watz; and four great-grandchildren, Sophia Frisinger, Hunter Glaes, Mason Glaes, and Gabriella Glaes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin in 2011, her parents and brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 21th, 2019 at St. Catherine of Sienna, at 11:30am, 1150 West Centre, Portage, MI 49024. The family will greet friends at the church from 10:30am until the time of the service. Her cremated remains will be inurned at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.

Please visit Vivian’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read her obituary, sign the guestbook, and share a memory with the family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Generous Hands, Alzheimer's Association and/or Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation.

The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097.