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Vivian (nee Walterbach) Marshall

Mrs. Vivian (nee Walterbach) Marshall, a longtime resident of Fairfax, passed away on September 29, 2018, having lived a life full of joy, love, family, and friendship. She was preceded in death by Thomas, her loving husband of 58 years. She is survived her children Sue Denton (Tommy), Mike Marshall, Barbara Williams (Larry), Ann Wehner (John), Bill Marshall (Jayne), Matt Marshall (Mary Kate), Cathie Marshall, Rich Marshall (Jenny), Carrie Marshall, Mark Marshall, and Jason Marshall (Chelsea). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Theresa (Tyler), Katie, Sarah, Christine, Caitlin (Zack), Carol (Peter), Erin, Alexis, Sam, Sophie, Sabrina, Noah, and her great-grandchild, Beren. Vivian is survived by her sister, Mary Walterbach Davis, and was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph and John Walterbach.

Vivian was born in 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa to Earl and Mary Walterbach. The child of an Air Force officer, she grew up around the world, from Iowa to Louisiana to Germany to California. Vivian graduated as the Valedictorian of her class at San Rafael High School in San Rafael, California, and attended the University of California at Berkeley on an academic scholarship.

Vivian devoted her life to building a loving home and raising her children. She also volunteered extensively in the community with the PTA, Head Start, at Emmanuel Dining Hall, and by acting as an educational surrogate for children in public schools. She was also active in the Catholic church, serving as a lay minister, teaching CCD classes, running First Communion programs, organizing food drives, and serving with Tom as pre-Cana teachers. In addition to raising eleven children, Vivian and Tom were foster parents to children awaiting adoption.

Vivian was a woman of uncommon wisdom and quiet strength, who welcomed all into her home and strove to make everyone feel like family. Vivian was the captain of the home, keeping her sprawling family on course with grace, determination, and a subtle sense of humor. A natural educator, she imbued her children with independence, a love of learning, and a desire to be in service to others. Her warmth and kindness continue to serve as an inspiration to her children and grandchildren.

Contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to the Ministry of Caring, www.ministryofcaring.org.

The Marshall family would like to thank the staff at Cokesbury Village for the wonderful care and support they have given our family.

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Funeral Services

Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday, October 6. Visitation begins at 10 am, followed by Mass at 11 am. A reception will begin at 12:30 pm at Cokesbury Village, 726 Loveville Rd, Hockessin, Delaware.

Condolences

    Geoff Williams writes,
    Dear Marshall Clan, Condolences and love from the Williams Clan in Raleigh. I always enjoyed the conversations with Vivian about how "easy" it was to raise 11 children and quizzing her about the logistics, the food, etc and always coming away with the idea she was on top of it all! Hang in there, Geoff, Mary Ann, Catherine and Grant
    10/04/2018 02:09 pm
    Deborah (Walterbach) Skerry lit a candle and writes,
    Aunt Vivian You will always be in my heart. Love you always, Debbie
    10/04/2018 07:41 pm
    Margaret Espy Spurrier writes,
    The author captured Vivian perfectly. Although I would never have addressed her as Vivian. She was always Mrs. Marshall. She and Tom demonstrated a different way of being and loving and growing than much of our buttoned-up neighborhood. I’m proud to claim Viv as another mother and the Marshall Army as my brothers and sisters. She will always live in our hearts.
    10/04/2018 10:54 pm
    Mrs. A. Julian Valbuena (Barbara) writes,
    My deepest sympathy to the Marshall family. Vivian, and her late husband, Tom, were our neighbors for several years at Cokesbury Village. We used to sit together in the late afternoon on our shared deck and discuss events in Delaware, our travels, solve world problems, and Tom's love of bicycling trips. We were fortunate to have such delightful friends. One of their daughters had taken a class in Spanish literature with my husband at the University of Delaware. Their children came to visit and help with their garden and offered to help me with mine. I shall miss seeing all of them. My prayers and thoughts are with the entire family.
    10/05/2018 08:03 am
    Kim Cugini
    10/05/2018 10:40 am
    Dan and Mary Lou Edgar lit a candle and writes,
    To all the Marshalls, it is so difficult to lose a parent, especially one as devoted as Vivian. We know she is reunited with Tom and watching daily over each one of you, just as she did in life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know, after suffering such a terrible illness, that she is at peace and an angel helping us all. God bless. Dan, Mary Lou and the entire Edgar family
    10/05/2018 03:50 pm
    Suhasini Amaratunga writes,
    Our heartfelt condolences to Ann & John. We will miss Vivian costing Cokesbury Village and pray for her to rest in eternal peace. Su Affan Taran Tavish
    10/06/2018 12:21 pm
    Kathy D. Kester Lundgren lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Sue & Family, What a wonderful mom. The obituary is wonderful to read.i am thinking of you and wishing you so much relief from knowing your mom is out of suffering and in a much better place. Your friend from BHS 76! Kathy
    10/08/2018 09:57 pm
    Tom Walterbach writes,
    I only met aunt Vivien once when I was in second grade, I am the son of Joseph, Thomas, Walterbach. We moved to New Mexico, and I have lived in the southwest pretty much my whole life. I remember the large family and I’m sorry I didn’t know until 2024. If anybody wants to contact me, my number is 713. 208. 6579. Better to text me For the first time callers. My father passed on June 8, 2008 he was born February 20, 1939.
    03/16/2024 03:23 am
    Terry bush writes,
    Love you auntie Vivian You're up there with my dad Joseph t walterbach and maryann bisignano my mom would you please tell my parents I said hi and auntie sorry I didn't know you too well I still love you no matter what Theresa walterbach bush
    01/07/2025 05:28 pm

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