Vivian Louise Backman

September 6, 1934 - August 23, 2015

Vivian L. Backman departed to be with her Savior very peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, August 23, while at her home in Sherwood; she was under the compassionate care and vigil of her children. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and faith at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 28 at Countryside Community Church. Vivian Helvie was born on October 30, 1934 in Newberg, Oregon. Her family moved around the area a lot in her younger years, but she eventually graduated from Beaverton High School, settled down with her sweetheart Al “Sonny” Backman in Hillsboro, and lived the last forty-three years of her life at the family home they built in Sherwood. Vivian lived up to the meaning of her name, vivacious and energetic. With her boundless vigor, she raised her family, juggled work—eventually retiring from the phone company, and sustained a flurry of regular recreational activities. She loved sharing regular visits, camping trips, and travel with each of her family members. A lively, strong, and independent woman, Viv was still water skiing at age 75. Her strong faith in Jesus Christ provided a firm foundation for her, and worship of God was a constant source of deep inner strength. She was quite involved in her church through a women’s Bible studyand a mixed evening Bible study, as well as other church activities such as Bible School. At 76, she participated in a mission trip to India that was one of the highlights of her life “Mom” loved each of her three living children dearly, Susan Backman-Yorton (Brad), Phillip Backman, and Lynne Stebbins (Ron). She has been a very involved, giving, empowering “grandma” for six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren, with many of whom she was very personally involved. She is survived by all but two. Also still living are her brother Bob Helvie (Elaine), sister Gertie Friezen, and brother Urban Helvie (Peggy).Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Sonny, her infant daughter Judith Ann, great-grandson Connor, and her parents, all of whom she was eagerly prepared to see once more. The last note Vivian wrote to those gathered at her bedside when she could no longer speak was, “I am ready. I love God. I love you guys. I’ve had a good life.” “For our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await our Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ; Who, by the power that enables Him to bring to everything under His control, will transform these lowly bodies so that they will be just like His glorified body!” Philippians 3:20-21, NAS.