Vivian Rose Janello – Christopher, IL

Vivian Rose Janello, of Christopher, always had a passion for traveling the world. She visited Israel, Italy, Spain, Hawaii, Alaska, The Bahamas, and many other lovely, historical, and interesting places. Vivian’s final journey, on August 14, 2020 at the age of 92, was to the place she most desired, her beautiful heavenly home. She departed this life at the Mt. Vernon Health Care Center, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Vivian was born on December 23, 1927 in Bush, Illinois to Ernie and Hazel (Glisson) Norman. She graduated from the Christopher High School in 1946. On October 5, 1946, Vivian married Frank Janello at the Methodist Church in Christopher. They were married 49 years and 3 months, when Frank passed away January 29, 1996. In 1948, Frank and Vivian welcomed their first child, Dianne Lynn, and three years later they were blessed with their second child, Gary August. Vivian was a very attentive and loving Mother and Homemaker, but also loved to keep busy writing for the local newspaper.

With Vivian’s vivacious personality, she eventually found the perfect job that allowed her to be home with her children and introduce a wonderful cosmetic line to area women. At her kitchen table, Vivian began her long-standing career with Beauty Counselor Cosmetics Company. Ladies would make appointments to get a cosmetic makeover and be introduced to skin care products. Vivian was shining in her new profession and enjoyed every minute of introducing the ladies to the magical world of cosmetics. Eventually, Vivian became an executive with Beauty Counselor Cosmetics, flying around the country to give motivational presentations and attending meetings with executives at the home office in Michigan. Vivian spent 25 years with the company, which eventually became known as Vanda Beauty Counselor.

Upon retirement, Vivian became active in the Christopher community. She served as President of the City of Christopher Chamber of Commerce and received the “Citizen of The Year” award from the Chamber for all of her tireless efforts to help the City of Christopher be a great place to live and work. Vivian was honored by then Governor Jim Edgar, at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, for her work with the Chamber.

When Vivian could bring joy into a child’s life, she was at her happiest. Vivian launched the “Annual Christopher Fishing Derby” which today remains a big success for young children. Vivian was instrumental in the addition of new playground equipment for the city park. She also presided over the “Annual Easter Egg Hunt” in Christopher, with an army of volunteers. Vivian’s idea of Christmas was not receiving gifts, but gathering the children of underprivileged families in her car, with her best friend Wanda Kunkle, and taking them Christmas shopping. Coming from a very humble childhood, Vivian never forgot her roots and was determined to give every child she knew a Christmas to remember. Vivian had a heart of gold for families in need, not just at Christmas, but 365 days a year.

Being a devout Christian, Vivian loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart. Vivian fulfilled the experience of a lifetime when she was baptized in the Jordan River while visiting Israel. She was of Protestant faith and lived to glorify her Lord in service and song. Vivian especially looked forward to attending Jubilee Tabernacle Church where Bro. Danny Norman, Vivian’s nephew, is the Pastor. Even though dementia robbed her mind of precious memories, Vivian never forgot Jesus. Nurses once heard Vivian witnessing to another resident at the nursing facility. Vivian asked the resident, “Do you know my friend Jesus?” Vivian spent her life asking family, friends, and neighbors that same life changing question, “Do you know my friend Jesus?”

Vivian married Lavern Dietz on November 9, 2002. Lavern sadly passed away in 2015. Vivian is survived by her daughter Dianne Janello (William Fuller) of Marion, son Gary (Anna) Janello of Christopher, grandsons Frank (Lori) Janello of Normal and Garett (Rachael) Janello of Mulkeytown, granddaughter Janell Troutt (fiance’ David Sims) of Christopher, great-grandchildren Jenna, Brett, Jacob, and Carter Janello, brother James (Margie) Norman of Carterville, half-brother Elmer Norman of Herrin, aunt Fanny Wichkowski of Carterville, sister-in-law Carol Norman of Royalton, and special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, step-father Oscar Lansford, brothers Farrell Norman, Oscar Leo Lansford, Jr., sister Stella Lawson, aunts Catherine Mitcheff and Etta Worley, and a special uncle and aunt who took young Vivian under their wings, Glen and Velsie Hock.

A private family graveside service will be held at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, Illinois with Pastor Bro. Danny Norman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to The Night’s Shield Children’s Shelter, 301 East Garland Street, West Frankfort, IL. 62896 or online at thenightsshield.org.