Vivian Elizabeth (Straughan) Pentland

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of a very special lady, Vivian Elizabeth Pentland (nee Straughan) on January 8, 2019. At 94, she still lived independently in her home to her final hour with the loving support of Sandra Claudio and Debbie Bamford (daughters from other mothers).

She was predeceased by her parents, Eliza Mabel Straughan and Charles Melville Straughan , her husband Ronald Pentland and her brothers George and Ross Straughan.  She will be missed by nieces, nephews and cousins including Karen Menheere, Shelley Pentland, Liz Brooks, Shawn Pentland and Tammy Brown.

She was raised in Auburn, Ontario.  She was a well-respected North Bay teacher.  With her intellect and tenacity she became a leader in education as one of the first two female school principals.  She claimed her success came as a result of working twice as hard as her male counterparts.  She was a lifetime learner keeping a sharp mind reading the Globe, the Nugget, the Goderich paper and good literature, listening to the CBC and watching CNN, always keeping up with current events.

 She was an excellent communicator, very thoughtful, smart, decisive, and caring and lent her talents to Emmanuel United Church in roles on Council, Committees and the Board of Trustees.  She was a visionary and active participant with respect to the creation of Emmanuel Village and acted as board member and chairperson for many years.

She had a great memory and was a wonderful conversationalist whose stories were peppered with humour and intelligent incites. She was fun to be around.

Her lifelong hobby of singing led her to sing in choirs, to lead singalongs in the local nursing home, and even to take a singing vacation.

While working, her summers were devoted to getting her university degree and additional qualifications.  After retirement her passion for travelling led her to many parts of the globe with great friends.

She was respected and admired, a kind and thoughtful friend who will be missed by all who knew her.

We are grateful for her life.

A short graveside service will be held at Terrace Lawn Cemetery on Saturday June 22^nd at 1pm.