VIVIAN ROSE RABIDEAU,
94, of Cass City died peacefully Saturday, May 9, 2020 in her home with her family by her side. She was born November 11, 1925 in Ashmore, Huron County the fourth of seven children born to Robert Edgar and Mildred (Patnaude) Kappen. She married Robert Clare “Bob” Rabideau July 5, 1947 in St. Pancratius Catholic Church, Cass City. Bob died on their 68th wedding anniversary.
Vivian grew up in Cass City and at the age of ten moved with her family to Detroit. She described it as an exciting place to grow up as she learned to take buses and streetcars across the city to visit relatives. Because she had an older sister who was employed, she was treated to many movies at the Fox Theatre and big band concerts. Vivian also told many great stories related to the boarders who stayed at her mother’s boarding house. After high school she experimented with a variety of jobs, eventually working as a Rosie the Riveter during the war. After the war, she married Bob Rabideau and had two children. Vivian really enjoyed her role of homemaker and caring for her family. She was an excellent seamstress, allowing her to sew many of her own clothes and then her kid’s clothes as they were growing up.
Vivian was described by her children as a wonderful mother whose philosophy was Everything for the Kids. She was also described as loving, kind, positive, and one who always managed to look on the brighter side of life. As years went on, she partnered with her husband, brother and sister-in-law to purchase a tavern business; managing the many responsibilities and challenges of being a business owner. Later when they no longer had the responsibilities of a business, she enjoyed employment for many years as a Medicare biller for Hills and Dales Hospital. She loved this job as it was a perfect match for a woman who loved working with figures.
When it was time to retire from that job, she again partnered with her husband to buy and remodel houses for rental. Again, this was another perfect match which was more of a hobby than work. Vivian and Bob enjoyed time at their cottage in Caseville with many friends and family. They especially enjoyed the many good times shared with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Vivian’s family would like to thank the many family and friends who made life especially enjoyable the last few years; Lillian, Aunt Myrtle, Aunt Shirley, Uncle Jack & Aunt Iris, Mark, Annie, Deena, Karen and Brian.
Vivian is survived by her children: Bob (Elaine) Rabideau of Lansing, Renee Rabideau of Royal Oak; grandchildren: Nathan (Charlene) Rabideau of Lansing, Rachel (Nick) Lipinski of Lansing, Amanda (Euan) Rabideau of San Francisco, CA; great grandchildren: Braden, Gavin, Stella, William, Jacob, Claire, Hugo, Callum; brother, Jack (Iris) Kappen of Cass City; sisters-in-law: Shirley Kappen of Cass City, Myrtle Rabideau of Cass City, Judy Rabideau of West Branch; many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; brothers: Warren Kappen, Lester (Jenny) Kappen, Wally Kappen; sisters: Margie McGill, Maxine (Jay) Smith.
Private graveside service held Thursday, May 14, 2020 in Elkland Township Cemetery with Rev. Theo Nnabugo of Our Lady Consolata Parish, St. Pancratius Catholic Church of Cass City officiating. This service will be broadcast live on Kranz Funeral Home website. A public celebration of Vivian’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Revive Ministries of Cass City. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and photos with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz (989) 872-2195
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94, of Cass City died peacefully Saturday, May 9, 2020 in her home with her family by her side. She was born November 11, 1925 in Ashmore, Huron County the fourth of seven children born to Robert Edgar and Mildred (Patnaude) Kappen. She married Robert Clare “Bob” Rabideau July 5, 1947 in St. Pancratius Catholic Church, Cass City. Bob died on their 68th wedding anniversary.
Vivian grew up in Cass City and at the age of ten moved with her family to Detroit. She described it as an exciting place to grow up as she learned to take buses and streetcars across the city to visit relatives. Because she had an older sister who was employed, she was treated to many movies at the Fox Theatre and big band concerts. Vivian also told many great stories related to the boarders who stayed at her mother’s boarding house. After high school she experimented with a variety of jobs, eventually working as a Rosie the Riveter during the war. After the war, she married Bob Rabideau and had two children. Vivian really enjoyed her role of homemaker and caring for her family. She was an excellent seamstress, allowing her to sew many of her own clothes and then her kid’s clothes as they were growing up.
Vivian was described by her children as a wonderful mother whose philosophy was Everything for the Kids. She was also described as loving, kind, positive, and one who always managed to look on the brighter side of life. As years went on, she partnered with her husband, brother and sister-in-law to purchase a tavern business; managing the many responsibilities and challenges of being a business owner. Later when they no longer had the responsibilities of a business, she enjoyed employment for many years as a Medicare biller for Hills and Dales Hospital. She loved this job as it was a perfect match for a woman who loved working with figures.
When it was time to retire from that job, she again partnered with her husband to buy and remodel houses for rental. Again, this was another perfect match which was more of a hobby than work. Vivian and Bob enjoyed time at their cottage in Caseville with many friends and family. They especially enjoyed the many good times shared with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Vivian’s family would like to thank the many family and friends who made life especially enjoyable the last few years; Lillian, Aunt Myrtle, Aunt Shirley, Uncle Jack & Aunt Iris, Mark, Annie, Deena, Karen and Brian.
Vivian is survived by her children: Bob (Elaine) Rabideau of Lansing, Renee Rabideau of Royal Oak; grandchildren: Nathan (Charlene) Rabideau of Lansing, Rachel (Nick) Lipinski of Lansing, Amanda (Euan) Rabideau of San Francisco, CA; great grandchildren: Braden, Gavin, Stella, William, Jacob, Claire, Hugo, Callum; brother, Jack (Iris) Kappen of Cass City; sisters-in-law: Shirley Kappen of Cass City, Myrtle Rabideau of Cass City, Judy Rabideau of West Branch; many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; brothers: Warren Kappen, Lester (Jenny) Kappen, Wally Kappen; sisters: Margie McGill, Maxine (Jay) Smith.
Private graveside service held Thursday, May 14, 2020 in Elkland Township Cemetery with Rev. Theo Nnabugo of Our Lady Consolata Parish, St. Pancratius Catholic Church of Cass City officiating. This service will be broadcast live on Kranz Funeral Home website. A public celebration of Vivian’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Revive Ministries of Cass City. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and photos with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz (989) 872-2195
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