Vivian Anita Ortiz

Vivian was born Vivian Anita Day on February 4, 1936 in Portland, Maine to the parents of Cecil and Nancy Day. Vivian had two brothers, Steve and Tom. She also had a sister by the name of Gloria. Later, Vivian would have two half-brothers by the name of Gary and Richard. Vivian, being the oldest of all the children, was not only a sister but a mother and a friend to her siblings.

Vivian’s family moved to California when she was in high school. She attended high school in Norwalk where she would become a cheerleader. It was in high school where Vivian would be given the nickname “Bunnie,” a name which she would be known by for the remainder of her life.

After high school, Bunnie married Art Hill. They had two children, Nancy and John, and settled in Corona, California.

Bunnie fell in love with Hawaiian/Tahitian dancing. She later became a Hawaiian/Tahitian dance instructor. Bunnie also had her own Polynesian dance troupe. They performed at various luau’s in southern California.

Bunnie would continue to dance and instruct classes for the next 40 years of her life. Bunnie’s dance students truly loved her, and as a result, she built lasting relationships with her girls.

After her first marriage ended, Bunnie had a brief marriage to Gary Rooney. Bunnie then found the love of her life and married John Ortiz. They would remain married until his passing in December of 1999. Bunnie never remarried.

Bunnie was a grandmother to three grandchildren, Shawn, Angie, and Johnny. She would later be blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Trevor, Gavin, Taylor, Melody. David, Sienna, Miley, and Keoni. All of the children would call her “Nana.”

Everybody loved Bunnie from the moment you met her. Bunnie had a love for God. She had a bright smile that lit up the room and a laugh that brought joy to your heart. Everyone would agree that Bunnie was truly a lady.

Bunnie was a truthful person who spoke her mind. She would always tell you what she thought whether you liked it or not. Bunnie also loved to travel with her brothers and sister.

Bunnie’s Italian, family recipes, which she would prepare for family gatherings, made everyone feel so loved and wanting to come back for more. Bunnie gladly shared her recipes with all family members so they could continue to enjoy them in their homes. When you have a pot of sauce simmering on the stove, it brings the warm and loving feelings of Nana into your heart.

Bunnie loved people. She loved to organize events within her community and served on her community’s board.

Bunnie was known to love her sparkles. Whether through jewelry or a sparkling license plate frame, Bunnie loved the twinkle of a beautiful gemstone. Little did she know that she didn’t need to apply all that sparkle. That diamond lived in her and in her spirit, and it shined brightly to all those around her. We love you, Bunnie, and you will truly be missed.