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Obituary

A life of strength, faith and love, in equal measure

By STEPHANIE HAYES, Times Staff Writer
Published August 22, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Her faith was an unwavering compass.

It said she would be together with her family for eternity.

It told her to love her children equally.

It taught that her daughters-in-law and her stepgrandchildren mattered just as much as her real children.

It comforted her throughout her life.

Vivian Carlisle died Saturday, and the family phone hasn't stopped ringing. The door hasn't stopped swinging. The food hasn't stopped pouring in.

Ms. Carlisle, 84, worked as a librarian in her New Port Richey Mormon church for 20 years. She'd regularly go into the community to teach her faith.

She was born in Illinois shortly before the Great Depression. Her mother baked once a week, and by the end of the week, the family's bread was crunchy and stale, her son said.

As an adult, Ms. Carlisle's family burst at the seams: six children, 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Confusing? Not to Ms. Carlisle.

She never forgot a face or a name, her family said. She spoiled everyone with handmade presents - blankets, candles, crocheted gifts.

She was tiny at only 4-feet-11. She had big, rosy cheeks that propped her glasses when she smiled. She collected Coca-Cola memorabilia and Christmas decorations, and she voraciously read mystery novels. Every night, she watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

She was headstrong as she was sweet.

When an out-of-state grandchild married recently, Ms. Carlisle got on a plane and flew to the wedding alone. She gave friends rides to the airport, even when her health was on the decline.

"There wasn't much we could do," said her daughter-in-law, Susie Carlisle. "You just kind of let it happen, because she was going to do it with you or without you."

She had heartache, too. A few years ago, Ms. Carlisle lost her only daughter and best friend, Linda Webster, to pancreatic cancer.

She sought solace in the Women's Relief Society at her church. Being around women softened the void when Linda died.

In October, Ms. Carlisle was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her family and church friends banded together to take her to therapy and to the doctor.

She was getting better. Friday night, her son John prepared his house so his mother could move in. He planned to clear their shelves and fill the house with Ms. Carlisle's things.

But early Saturday morning, she took a turn for the worse.

And once again, her family says, she is with Linda.

Stephanie Hayes can be reached at shayes@sptimes.com or 727 893-8857.

Biography

Vivian Mae Carlisle

Born: Oct. 5, 1922.

Died: Aug. 18, 2007.

Survivors: Sons, Gordon, Richard, John, George and Douglas; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Predeceased by a daughter, Linda Sue Webster.

[Last modified August 22, 2007, 06:55:25]