Vivian L. O'Connell, 97, Bismarck, formerly of Minot and Glenburn, died Saturday, September 22, 2018, in a Bismarck hospital.

Vivian was born September 9, 1921, in Lansford, ND to William and Jessie (Crane) Underwood.  Following her mother's death when Vivian was four, she spent her childhood living in Lansford and also living some with her older sisters, whom were employed as teachers.  She received her education in many communities spanning north central North Dakota that included Lansford, Minot (Model High School), Surrey and Donnybrook.  Vivian graduated from Lansford High School in 1939 as the Salutatorian of her class.  After graduation she worked at the local telephone company in Lansford.

Vivian was united in marriage to Arthur O'Connell of Glenburn, ND on July 1, 1940, in Sidney, Montana.  They lived in Chicago, IL for a short time until returning to Glenburn, followed by a move to Lansford, where they owned and operated a grocery store.  In 1948, they moved to the O'Connell family farm near Glenburn.  The farm provided the perfect place to raise 8 children and maintain a farming operation until they retired.  They built a new home in the city of Glenburn in 1967 and called this place home until a move to Minot.

Art and Vivian were members of First Presbyterian Church in Minot.  During their retirement years they enjoyed getting together with friends for morning coffee.  They loved to travel and were able to visit 49 of the 50 states, missing only Alaska.  Vivian enjoyed keeping diaries especially during retirement. She loved music, played the piano, listened to the radio, stereo, tapes and rarely missed an episode of the Lawrence Welk Show.  Vivian was a great cook, who baked many wonderful treats for her family and possessed a cupboard full of recipes.  Crossword puzzles and word searches also helped to pass the time.

They moved to The Wellington Assisted living of Minot in 2008.  Art passed away in February 2009.  Vivian moved to Edgewood Vista and Village in Bismarck on July 1, 2010 and later moved to Maple View Memory Care, Bismarck in June 2016.

Vivian was known most for her beautiful and kind heart.  The kind of lady who often took the back seat so others could enjoy the view from the front or she would have lunch with someone in assisted living because they seemed lonely.  She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to share in her beautiful life.

Vivian is survived by daughters, Kathy (Michael) O'Keeffe, Bismarck, Colleen Sand, Kennewick, WA, Patricia (Richard) Rasnick, Surf City, NC and Joni (Nick) Kleven, Pasco, WA; sons, Daniel (Avis) O'Connell, Palm Bay, FL, Kenneth (Kathy) O'Connell, Branson, MO and James (LaVonne) O'Connell, Goshen, IN; 19 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Arthur, daughter, Suellen Johnston, sons-in-law, Jack Johnston and Randy Sand, granddaughter, Rebecca Sand Wilson; sisters, Wilma, Wilda and Lucille and brothers, Cecil, Ken and Bud.

Funeral service:  11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 27, 2018, at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment:  Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation:  One hour prior to the start of the service at the church on Thursday.
Memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice. Please perform an act of kindness today in honor of Vivian.

Vivian O'Connell Flowers