Vivian Frankie Moffatt's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Vivian Moffatt, formerly Cruickshank, nee Gibson,Born November 9, 1922 in Stanleyville, Georgia to Frank and Jeannette (Brantley) Gibson of the Brownlow family, an early pioneering family of what was then Hillsborough, now Pinellas County. Vivian was mother to and is survived by, her son, Robert (Bob) Cruickshank and his wife, Victoria (V); her son Christopher (Chris) Cruickshank and his wife Carolyn; her daughter, Elizabeth (Betsy) Cruickshank and almost son in law, James (Jim) Strickland. She was grandmother to Scot Cruickshank and Christal (Cruickshank) Smith, and her husband, David N. Smith, and Great grandmother to their son Jareth K. Smith. Vivian passed away on April 30, 2014 at Morton Plant Mease Hospital in Dunedin, Fllorida.Those are the facts but trying to sum up 91 remarkable years that touched so many lives is more challenging.She graduated from Tarpon Springs High and became an accomplished pianist, vocalist and "Torch Singer" of the "Rat Pack" era, known & respected by many in the entertainment community she married and returned to her roots in the Pinellas area. She enjoyed and excelled at her work in the real estate, banking and insurance industries and after retiring at age 65 began a new career managing the records and file room of a major health care provider where she finally retired at age 83. She is remembered by many for tooling around town in her beloved 1968 Dodge Coronet 440!!Upon retiring she was able to devote herself to her love of roses. I'll draw upon that love to help in this summary, and perhaps comparison, of Vivian and her roses. But for that I'll trust to the words of others……Helen Hayes, c.1900, American actress...a rose is the most satisfying. It's the most demanding, it offers a challenge and it must be treated with respect.Rolande Browne, c.1939, professor…I don't know whether nice people grow roses, or if growing roses makes people nice.Dale Carnegie 1885-1955, American writer…We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.Frederick Peterson, 1859-1938, American poet…The sweetest flower that blows, I give you as we part, For you it is a rose. For me it is my heart.In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Vivian's name to the National Arbor Day Foundation; The National Audubon Society, the Wounded Warrior Project or an Animal Rescue Group of your choice.A Remembrance Ceremony and Celebration of Life at Betsy and Jim's home on Saturday, May 17, 2014, where happy memories will be lovingly exchanged.
What’s your fondest memory of Vivian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vivian?
Share a story where Vivian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vivian you’ll never forget.
How did Vivian make you smile?