Vivian Mae Helms Forbes passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2021. Vivian was born on December 13, 1937 in Kansas City, MO to Florence Mae and Glen Vivian Graf. She graduated from Southwest High School in 1955 and from William Woods College in 1957. In September of 1957 she married her first husband, the late Judge Thomas J. Helms. Years later, after Tom’s passing, she married Robert (“Staff”) Forbes and they had 22 wonderful years together. After college she went to work for Hallmark Cards as an illustrator for six months before starting a family. All who knew her are well aware of her love for art. As it turned out she preferred collecting art rather than painting it. For many years she was especially active in her church, Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist in Kansas City and then First Church of Christ, Scientist, Overland Park, Kansas. During her life she was active in many philanthropic groups and very often the treasurer in those groups including the following: Junior Women’s Philharmonic Association (back when they sold cheese), The Symphony Alliance, Sketch Box, Society of Fellows (that supports the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art), William Woods Kansas City Alumnae Club, and past National Alumnae Board President of William Woods College, now a University. Vivian was also an avid lover of opera and held season tickets for many years. Her other love in life was bridge which she played as often as she could. In addition to bridge, she enjoyed playing every kind of game there is. She loved going to the mountains, especially in Aspen, Colorado and she equally loved the ocean, spending a lot of time in Orange Beach, Alabama.
She is survived by her children, Linda La Piana Trask (Michael), Thomas G. Helms, Robert Forbes, Jr. (Linda), Richard Forbes (Linda); grandchildren, Sam La Piana (Nichole), Thomas La Piana, Randy Forbes (Lisa), Lisa Cardello (Chris), Daniel Forbes (Laura); great-grandchildren, Mackenzie La Piana, Lucas La Piana, Christian and Kellan Forbes, Giovanni and Luciano Cardello, Zoey Forbes; her cousins, Mary Frances Jeffries and Bette Rackleff. Vivian led a very full life blessed with her family and friends too numerous to count.
A re-scheduled Celebration of Life will be held at Vivian’s home on Saturday, September 18th between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. No flowers please. Memorials in her honor can be made to the church or any of the organizations which were mentioned above.
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