Vivian Witt

She was born in Leadville, Colorado, on August 22, 1926. Her family moved to Cleveland when she was a young girl. Vivian attended Miles Standish elementary school where she met many friends, including four girls in particular, with whom she and they continued a cherished, close friendship throughout their lives. Beginning in elementary school, Vivian was placed in classes for gifted children.

She attended Glenville High School, and always commented that attending Glenville was an extraordinary educational and personal experience. Later on in life, Vivian was inducted into the Glenville Hall of Fame in recognition of her stellar journalism career. Vivian graduated from Western Reserve College.

From an early age, Vivian was a talented writer, and a musician who played piano by ear. She spoke fluent French, and, in her life-long quest for learning, was certified in graphoanalysis.

Vivian was an award winning journalist for the Cleveland Jewish News, where she worked for thirty years. She wrote a wide variety of articles, including the column: “Vivian in Nachasland,” feature articles and interviews, among others. Vivian was known internationally for her coverage of the John Demjanjuk trial, which she covered both locally and in Israel. Among other recognitions were several Simon Rockower Journalism awards, Cleveland Communicators awards, and Akron Press Club awards.

Vivian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eli Witt, daughter Karen Witt, granddaughter Lisa Botnick, as well as her parents, Maurice and Sophie Stager, sister, Evelyn Paley and brother, Robert Stager. She is survived by her son, Evan D. Witt, and daughter, Ellen Witt Botnick, grandchildren, Sophia Witt, Julie Botnick and Brian Botnick, as well as her cousins with whom she was very close.

Vivian had many loving caregivers, especially Brittany, who was with her during her last years with us.

Services will be held at 11 am on Sunday, April 22 at BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1985 S. TAYLOR RD., CLEVELAND HTS.

Interment will be at Bet Olam (B’nai Jeshurun section), 25796 Chagrin Blvd. Beachwood.

The family will receive friends at Burton Court, 1501 Chagrin River Rd., Gates Mills, OH, 44040, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SERVICES UNTIL 4 PM, AND FROM 6-8 PM. Shiva will also be observed on MONDAY, FROM 6-8 PM, with minyan at 7 pm, at Ellen Botnick’s home.

Those who wish may make contributions to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, the Alzheimer‘s Association, or a charity of their choice.