Vivian B. Schillio

Vivian B. Schillio, 58, passed away April 26, 2012 at home with her family at her side. She had been under Hospice care since early April to help manage her last weeks of life with pancreatic cancer. The tremendous support Vivian received from family and friends has brought much comfort during this time. Visitations are planned for Friday, May 4 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Saturday, May 5 from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm with a memorial service scheduled for Saturday, May 5 at 3:30 pm at Starks-Menchinger in St. Joseph, MI. Vivian was born September 16, 1953 in Bloomsburg, PA. to Benjamin A. and Vivian E. Burness, both originally from Atlantic City, NJ. The school years were spent in Warren, MI where her parents were teachers in nearby Roseville school district. Summers were spent with her family on the shore in Atlantic City, NJ where her father was a lifeguard for 32 years. She met Serge P. Schillio in 8th grade and married him on May 24, 1973. She received a B.A. at Michigan State University in Speech and Language Communications and a teaching certification in 1976. She went on to obtain a Masters degree from Central Michigan University in Speech and Language Pathology and, following in her mother’s footsteps, became a well-respected speech teacher. She enjoyed serving the needs of children from preschool to high school for 33 years, 21 being in Berrien County. She was a member of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Associtation, Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and a former officer of the Southwest Michigan Speech – Language Association. Vivian is preceded in death by her mother in 2008. She is survived by her father Ben Burness, sister Betty Jazowski (David), and sister Trisha Burness. Also surviving is her husband, Serge Schillio, her son, Paul Schillio (Sara) of Benton Harbor, MI, her daughter Sarah Schillio (John Lindenmayer) of Lansing, MI, and her grandchildren, Jackson (3yrs) and Lauren (3mo) Schillio, and Rowan Lindenmayer (7mo). Vivian was beloved by many, including countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who attest that she always gave selflessly, cared deeply, and put smiles on the faces of everyone she touched. She loved traveling,snorkeling, the oceans, beaches and sunsets, reading, playing piano, her Lenox collections, theatre, swimming in her pool with friends and family, and being a Nanny to her grandchildren. Memorials in her name may be made to Lory’s Place of Hospice at Home, and/or Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel – Berrien County Chapter where a speech therapy scholarship is set up in Vivian’s honor. Those wishing to sign Vivian’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.