Obituary of Vivian Reese

REESE, VIVIAN GERTRUDE, 83, of Gulfport, died Monday (Nov. 7, 2005) at Boca Ciega Center, Gulf port, FL. She was born in Troy, NY. and moved to Gulfport, FL. in 1960. She received her registered nurse license upon graduation from Samaritan Hospital, Schenectady, NY . entered the Army Nurse Corps serving in Europe during the Battle of the Bulge leaving as a lieutenant. She attended Boston University and received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from there. She was instrumental in starting pediatric nursing programs in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. She was also instrumental in the start of the use of rocking chairs and colored smocks in maternity and pediatric wards. She was an instructor at SPJC and Pasadena Manor. She worked as a director of nursing at various nursing homes and hospitals in the area. She was retired from the Pinellas County Health Department. She was a charter member, life member and Past Secretary of the Suncoast Gem & Mineral Society .She was a past member of the Gulfport Lions Club Auxiliary, Gulf port Players, Friends of the Library and a founding member of the South Pasadena DA V chapter. She was active in Social Security & SSI reform and trying to help veterans whose country did not recognize their service. She enjoyed rock hounding, lapidary, reading murder mysteries, bowling, golf, "Scooby-doo" collectibles and crossword puzzles. Survivors include her son, Jeffrey, St. Petersburg; daughter, Candace A. Beck, Middletown, V A; two grandchildren, William R. Beck, Manassas, V A., Sabrina M. Beck, Centerville, V A; six step grandchildren; fifteen step great grandchildren; three step great great grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Cremation Center, 6366 Central Avenue , St. Petersburg is serving the family. A memorial gathering will be 2 PM on Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 4040 23rd Avenue North, St. Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local DAV Chapter. Service Information