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Vivian Elaine (Galbreath) Stefaniak, age 76, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at the Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Sarasota, Fla.
She was born March 1, 1934, in Three Rivers, a daughter of the late Victor and Sadie (Watson) Galbreath.
Vivian had resided at Kline’s Resort in Three Rivers and wintered at Piney Point Resort, Palmetto, Fla., since 2001. Prior to moving to Three Rivers she had lived in Sturgis from 1956-2001. Her early life included living in Three Rivers until the age of 3 when her family moved to South Haven where she lived until making the move to Sturgis. She was a graduate of South Haven High School with the class of 1952.
On June 28, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart Chester Stefaniak at the First Congregational Church in South Haven.
Vivian was an elder and Parish Life member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis.
She had worked in South Haven as an old time switchboard telephone operator and also several offices including Civil Service in Fort Sill, Okla., where her husband was stationed with the U.S. Army. Vivian had been employed by the National Carbon Coated paper Company. For over 18 years she passed her talents and love of music by teaching piano.
Vivian was always ready to volunteer her time helping others. Some of her involvements included the City and school elections for 25 years, the Red Cross Blood Bank for 30 years, Sturgis Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop and Tray Guild. She served as Auxiliary President two terms and held other offices at the Sturgis Auxiliary and the district office. She was also active in Friendly Circle, Tripoli, Canasta and Bridge groups. And, of course, many years enjoying camping with family and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Chester; two daughters, Cheryl (Gregory) Mounts of Ottawa, Ill., and Diane (Jaime) Mieras of Centreville; one son, John Victor Stefaniak of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Stephani Kilby, Scott Mounts and Jeffrey Mounts, Valerie Newcomb, Amanda Stefaniak, Michael Stefaniak, Michelle Stefaniak, Lance Corporal Zachary McKerchie, Tyler McKerchie and Jesse Mieras; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Shirley Brown; and two brothers, Gordon and Maurice Galbreath.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – noon Saturday, April 2, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis where a memorial service celebrating the life of Vivian Stefaniak will begin at noon Saturday. The Rev. Michael Wicks will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The Hackman family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091 is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Stefaniak’s memory consider the First Presbyterian Church, 1320 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or the American Cancer Society, 1400 W. Milham, Kalamazoo, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
