Vivien Diane (Thaler) Tolton
Posted Feb 27, 2023 | 12:18 PM
April 24, 1942 – February 23, 2023
Once described by her grand-daughter as the funniest person she knew, Vivien Tolton always marched to her own drummer. An incredibly pragmatic person, she provided a sense of strength and consistency for all who knew her. It is hard to imagine life without Vivien.
Vivien died on February 23, 2023, at the age of 80, at University Hospital in London, after a stroke and complications. Loving mom of daughter Janet of Rockwood, and special Gran to grand-daughter Alice, and her father Alan of Toronto. Predeceased by husband Barry, daughter Sarah, and sister Elaine Haney and Aunt Margaret (Pollock) Rehse. Dear sister of Merle Haney-Drudge of Waterloo and Marilynn Davies (Arnold) of Markdale, and sister-in-law of Janice McCray (David) of Walkerton, Lori (Jack) Black of Waterloo, and Jamie Tolton (Randall predeceased) of Walkerton. Aunt Vivien leaves behind many nieces and nephews which she was very proud of and loved to share a laugh with. She will also be missed by many people in the local church, craft, choir and curling communities.
Born in Walkerton, Vivien was raised in Hanover, daughter of Dr. August (Frank) Thaler and Janet Pollock. As the youngest of the “Thaler Girls”, she embraced an independent spirit which continued until the day she died. With the Doctor’s practice operating out the family home, Vivien would sometimes assist with certain tasks. Striking off for nursing school, Vivien realized that was not the career for her and pivoted to become trained in secretarial work. Upon Barry and Vivien’s move to Markdale in 1970, she started her career as a United Church Secretary, “training” many Ministers, and continued to work on a part time basis until the day she died. Annesley United Church was truly a second home.
Vivien’s other roles were as a farmhand (for Barry) which she did begrudgingly, and as a mother to Sarah and Janet, which she did with ease. Vivien served as a chauffeur to the girls, driving to, and taking a keen interest in, many activities. She also chauffeured many of her curling friends after a late night to various points in Grey Highlands. Vivien’s toughest assignment was as a support to Sarah through her recovery from a car accident in 1990.
Possessing a strong sense of community, Vivien participated in many organizations including the Markdale Curling Club, Rug Hooking Guilds, Knitting and Craft Groups, Church and Community Choirs, often taking on an administrative role in each.
Vivien’s beautiful rug hooked pieces leave behind a lasting legacy. She will be missed for unique sense of humour and her keen interest she took in her loved ones and her community.
A memorial service honouring Vivien’s life will be held at Annesley United Church, Markdale on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11 a.m., with fellowship to follow. Spring inurnment in Markdale Cemetery.
As expression of sympathy, donations to Centre Grey Health Services Foundation, Annesley United Church, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.
- First Name : Vivien
- Last Name : Tolton
- Funeral Home : McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham
- URL : https://www.mccullochwatsonfuneralhome.ca/obituaries/968/Vivien-Tolton
