Obituaries

Vivianlee lived a remarkable life of nearly 92 years, leaving a touch of warmth and love with everyone she met. She left her birthplace of New Orleans, LA in the late 1940s to marry her husband, Alvin Tonry (dec. 1975), also of New Orleans. They lived in Millbrae, CA until 1968 and then moved to Union City.

Vivianlee worked for love in her community for most of her life. She volunteered and supported the Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Dunstan Elementary School in Millbrae. Upon moving to Union City, she became a founding member and dedicated officer of the Ladies Guild of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, where she served until her death. Vivianlee also worked as office manager and administrative assistant for a variety of companies. She was always first point of contact with the public because of her amazing people skills. Her finest work by far was that of a mother and grandmother.

Friends and family have always described Vivianlee as a “southern belle” – gracious, giving and gorgeous. Her name is a blend of her mother, Vivian Kiley (dec. 1972) and her father, Lee Ronquillo (dec. 1976). Her collection of “Gone with the Wind” memorabilia and affection for Mardi Gras are no coincidence. While she loved her S.F. 49ers, she kept a close eye on her N.O. Saints.

Vivianlee is survived by her daughter, Donna Tonry and her two grandchildren, Veronica Loera-Ano (Chad Ano) and Christopher Culverwell, all of San Jose. She adored her four beautiful great-grandchildren, William (19), Cole (9), Viviana (8) and Georgia-Grace (5). Her “extended family” includes her many loving friends of the Ladies Guild of Our Lady of the Rosary Church and her incredibly devoted neighbors, Vilma and Ricardo Pichardo and their children. Vivianlee will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

She and her daughter wish to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Dianne Martin, Dr. Rohit Sehgal and Dr. Prassad Kilaru for their kind, compassionate medical care and friendship for many years.

Please help us lay Vivianlee to rest. Services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd. Fremont, at 6:30 p.m. (viewing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.). Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 703 C St., Union City, followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 1051 Harder Rd., Hayward. A reception follows at Our Lady of the Rosary Hall. You are invited to wear Mardi Gras colors to all services – purple, green or gold, if you like.