Vivian Geraldine Cavanaugh

Vivian Geraldine Gewalt-Cavanaugh was born on February 23, 1925 in Seattle, Washington. Just minutes later, her twin sister, Virginia Elizabeth followed. The two joined their parents, Herman and Myrle Gewalt along with older brothers Waitmen and ten-year old twins Otto and George to complete their family.

Vivian grew up in Magnolia near Fisherman’s Terminal and loved jumping on the log booms. She attended Lawton Elementary and Queen Anne High School where she excelled academically and received “Most Inspirational Player” on her basketball team. Vivian met Jack Fleming Cavanaugh, a sailor from Arkansas, on a train to Vancouver in 1945. The two fell in love and married in 1946. They moved to Magnolia, within walking distance of family, and resided in the area for 66 years. In 1947, they welcomed their first daughter, Jacklyn. Over the next decade, their family grew with the births of three more daughters: Sallie, Jane, and Patricia. While Vivian worked at Garrett Freightlines for many years,

she always was involved in her girls’ activities, leading each of their Campfire groups and taking them to services at Magnolia Lutheran Church, where she was a member.

In 1950, Jack and Vivian purchased property on Lake Roesiger. Over the years they spent many weekends and longs stretches in the summer working on projects and entertaining friends and family at this special place. Vivian, who participated in skiing and was known for her graceful dive and ability to teach others to do the same, became dubbed as “Lady of the Lake”, a fitting nickname and nod to the origin of the name Vivian. The cabin at Lake Roesiger became a cherished gathering place for celebrations, such as the annual Gewalt family gathering. In 1988, Vivan began a tradition, known to the Cavanaugh family, as “Cousin’s Week”. This five day period of sacred time with Vivian, her four daughters and twelve grandchildren has continued yearly (and grown significantly with the addition of 25 great-grandchildren in recent years).

Vivian was known throughout her life for her positive attitude and competitive nature. From card games to sports to family relay races, Vivian always liked to win. As her family grew with grandchildren and then great-grandchildren, Vivian enjoyed nothing more than playing a good game of cards with the ones she loved most. After she and Jack retired, they filled their social calendar with golfing and socializing wtih their friends from their dance club as well as attending sports, school plays and events for their grandchildren. They enjoyed spending winters in San Diego and became world travelers with trips to six continents. While they thoroughly appreciated their adventures, they always loved to return to their favorite spot at Lake Roesiger.

Vivian spent the last eight years of her life at The Gardens at Town Square in Bellevue where she enjoyed socializing with fellow residents and friends, participating in exercise classes and group outings as well as frequent visits from her family where, even at ninety-nine years old, she was known to play a competitive game of Crazy 8's.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Fleming Cavanaugh and daughter, Patti Fickel. She will be missed by her three daughters- Jackie (Biff), Sallie (Terry), Janie (Patrick), son in law, Mark, 12 grandchildren- Callie (Dennis), Annie (Andrew), Paul (Ana), Leah (Nick), Kim (Travis), Russell (Barbara), Summer, Seth, Katie (Marcus), Susannah (Kyle), Lindsay (Landon) & Brooke (Stefan)l 25 great-grandchildren, niece, Georgene Gewalt-Sather, nephew, Ron Gewalt and beloved great-nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to, "The Union Gospel Mission" in Seattle.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Washelli 11111 Aurora Ave N Seattle WA 98133, which will then be followed by a reception in the Celebration Hall from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.