Vivian Leilani Thompson's Obituary
Vivian Leilani (Cabral) Thompson passed from this life on August 26, 2015 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family, as was always her preference. Vivian was born in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii on August 13, 1929 to a Hawaiian mother, Mary K. (Kahuena), and Portuguese father, John L. Cabral. She grew up just a few miles from Pearl Harbor in what was known as Damon Tract, where, at the age of 12, while preparing for church on the fateful morning of December 7, 1941, she witnessed, in horror, the attack on her beloved homeland by the Japanese. That impression remained with her throughout her lifetime. As a young girl she received a Catholic education attending Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu. In 1956 Vivian moved to San Diego, California where she would meet and marry the love of her life, raise her 7 children, have a career, and live out the remainder of her life. She had a long, successful career with defense contractor Bendix Corporation in the area of quality control. She took great pride and personal care in her job and the work of those around her, because it mattered to her that the product would be used by the U.S. Military in our National Defense. She was a Navy wife and patriot, and encouraged anyone who complained about Government to vote. Vivian was a constant fixture at her local YMCA for more than 20 years, where, as an active participant in water aerobics, exercise, and assisting others throughout the center, she forged lifetime friendships with staff and members alike. She loved to garden, especially her tropical plants and roses. Her massive plumeria trees, in particular, would draw in everyone in the neighborhood. She would give bags of the fragrant flowers to all…friends at the YMCA, her mailman, her physical therapist, her doctor, anyone who asked and anyone she liked. Her plumerias were a constant reminder of her island roots. She enjoyed her many trips to Hawaii with her husband to visit with family. Her Hawaiian/Portuguese ancestry was such a proud part of who she was and she instilled the same sense of pride in that heritage in all of her children and grandchildren. Family was everything to her and the spirit of Aloha guided her in all of her interactions; whether extended family, friend, or total stranger, she made everyone feel loved and important. It was not unusual for her to “take in” or take care of co-workers, friends of her children, or anyone else in need. She did not talk about her continuous charitable contributions or service to others. She simply just lived her life and did for others in such a way, that her actions spoke for her. Her generosity knew no bounds and if she had anything, she shared. Once you had been invited into her home, you became a permanent member of the family, or hanai as Hawaiians say. Color, ethnicity, background, religious or political beliefs, marital status…it mattered not to her. When she loved you, it was unconditional. She absolutely adored all babies, and they always loved her. Vivian had an amazing, inexplicable way with children. She was fiercely dedicated to her own children, but none held a more coveted position than her grandchildren. She relished the role of Nana more than any other and poured out her love and affection onto her many grandchildren as if each were the only one. She leaves them all with a legacy of love and kindness to others. No one relationship or individual had a greater impact on her or with her than that of her husband of more than 54 years. Theirs is a great love story. From the very moment that they were first brought together by fate and love, their hearts were never apart. Their love, commitment, and devotion to one another, is the cornerstone that built the strength and love of their family. Vivian is survived by her husband Daniel Thompson; her children, Richard Putnam (Valora), Jean Solarski (Charlie), John Thompson, Shannon Bishop (Rich), Daniel Thompson (Merlie), Regan Garcia (Rey); her grandchildren, Danielle Xavier (Dean), David Mejia (Karen), Tina Mejia, Manuel Xavier, Courtney Putnam, Kelly Shileikis (Andrew), Rachel Klein (Bill), Brian Purcell (Samantha), Dustin Thompson (Amanda), Ashley Pinkley, Alissa Mcminn (Chance), Keahi Thompson (Anna), Kekai Thompson, Matthew Scarborough (Barbara), Keani Thompson, Alex Putnam, Lauren Putnam, Vivian Garcia; her great-grandchildren, Shawn, Nicholas, Amy, David, Desiree, Nicco, Kiana, Kayla, Malia, Travis, Brysen, Layla, Kaia, Kai, Keanu, Jordyn, Ada, Gregory, Leilani; her great-great-grandchildren, Nicholas Jr., Leilani, Waylon, Brantley; her brother, James Kawai Kaupe; her sister, Barbara Jean Dorsey; her sister-in-law, Marilyn Brannon; many, many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and hanai family. She is predeceased by her daughter, June Towey; her grandson, Kalani Garcia; her parents, John and Mary Cabral; her brothers James Keaki, James Kahuena; her sister, Myra Ulii; her brothers, John Cabral, Peter Cabral, Robert Cabral, Walter Cabral, Patrick Cabral; her mother-in-law, Juna Thompson; and many loved ones who left an impression in her life and on her heart. Vivian will be cremated and a Celebration of Life Memorial will be held by her husband on her birthday next year, August 13, 2016, in order to allow many family and friends, from near and far, to attend.Memorial will take place at: The North Chapel, Liberty Station Marketplace 2881 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego, CA 92106 At 5:00 p.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vivian’s name to any children’s charity of choice, or Mission Hospice. Additionally, her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Mission Hospice for their constant support, care, comfort, reassurance and love for Vivian and all of the family. Your hospice nurses and team are angels on earth.
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