Vivian Levitt Evenson's Obituary
Vivian Levitt Evenson December 4, 1919 – October 6, 2015 POINT LOMA Vivian Levitt Evenson passed away peacefully in her own home in Point Loma on October 6th, 2015. She was a much loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as a long time contributor to the San Diego community. Vivian was born on December 4th, 1919 in Williston, North Dakota to her parents Charles and Mary “Marie” Levitt. She attended high school in North Dakota where she enjoyed playing volleyball. She paid her way through college at Oregon State University by working as a typist and earned a business degree. She later became a vice president in the loan department of U.S. National Bank in Portland before moving to San Diego. It was during her college years that she met her beloved Oberlin “Ole” Evenson, whom she married on June 7th, 1942 at Fort Ord Army Base. Together, she and Ole raised two daughters in Point Loma and were a part of a vibrant community of dear friends for many decades. Vivian and Ole’s shared hobbies included playing bridge, tailgating at Charger and Aztec games, exploring the US with their grandchildren in a motor home, and traveling the world. Giving time to her community was always a part of Vivian’s life. She started volunteering at First Presbyterian Church in San Diego in 1946. For 34 years, she sang in the choir and served on the church organ and concert committees. She also gave her time as a director on the boards of the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego County Girl Scouts Council, and the YWCA. She volunteered for the Children’s Hospital Association, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the Children’s Action League, the Salk Institute and the Opera Association. She was also a lifetime member of MADCAPS (Mothers and Daughters Assisting Philanthropies) and a founding member of the Star of India Auxiliary. Her volunteer activities also included being a member of the Thursday Club, PEO Chapter FR, the Point Loma Association and Juniors of the Social Services Auxiliary where she served as the chairperson of the Mardi Gras Ball.Vivian’s most significant gift to the San Diego community resulted from the passion she and her husband shared for organ music. It was this love of organ music that led her to found the Spreckels Organ Society in 1988. For 27 years, the Spreckels Organ Society has brought the music of the great Spreckels organ to Balboa Park visitors through free weekend and evening concerts as well as outreach to fifth-grade students. Vivian served as the president and CEO of the Spreckels Organ Society for many years where she oversaw its entire operation including membership, sales, budget and finance, fundraising, programs and endowments. Upon retiring from her role as president, she continued to serve as an Honorary Chair for the Spreckels Organ Society for the rest of her life. As her life of service demonstrates, Vivian was known for her generous spirit and for being a person who was always seeking to help others. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all those whose lives she touched. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Oberlin Evenson and her eldest daughter Karen Evenson Lang. She is survived by her youngest daughter Olivia Evenson Alford (and husband Bill) and grandchildren Jerry Lang (and wife Lily), Kristin Lang Cardonnel (and husband Pascal), Sarah Alford Hock (and husband Davis) and David Alford (and wife Shaabini). She was also blessed to have been adored by eleven great-grandchildren Ryan and Vivian Lang; Bruno, Pauline and Julien Cardonnel; Junia, Eden, Deacon and Della Rae Hock; and Tenali and Vaughn Alford.The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who blessed Vivian with their kindness and friendship in her later years: Flor Perez, Mary Knox, Zulanie “Maribel” Cancino, Melody Keltner, Sara Campos and Daisy Gallordo. You loved her so well and we are most grateful. A memorial service will be held at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatworth Blvd., San Diego, 92107 on Saturday, October 17th at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Spreckels Organ Society (spreckelsorgan.org/). – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sandiegouniontribune/obituary.aspx?n=vivian-levitt-evenson&pid=176076504#sthash.wU03C1nT.dpuf
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