Vivian G. Root died peacefully at home 1/29/2018 just days shy of her 100th birthday. She is survived by: sons Douglas R. Root formally of Worcester, Howard, of Rutland, MA with whom she resided along with her beloved daughter in law Susan and cherished grandson Colton; twin sister Virginia Gandy Van Nest of Tucson, AZ; youngest sister Emma Carol Gandy Hunsucker of Ashville, NC as well as many nieces and nephews along with her extended in-law family. Vivian was one of nine children born and raised in Society Hill, SC to mother, Mary A.Sompayrac Gandy and father Thomas Ashton Gandy, Sr. Predeceased by siblings: Frances Gandy Jenkins; Thomas Ashton Gandy, Jr; Elsie Gandy Auman Henley; Fred Agustus Gandy; Madge Gandy Wise, Olive Gandy Burn and her husband Robert S. Root of Worcester, MA Miss Vivian had a life long love of poetry and music influenced by her mother who was accomplished at both. Her most loved passion inherited from her mother was teaching which she would go on to make a career. She was schooled at St. David's Academy in Society Hill and went on to attend and graduate from Coker College in Hartsville, SC with a degree in education. Vivian started her teaching career in Mac Bee, SC and then several other towns in SC. She put teaching on hold when she married Robert, a New Englander, who brought her north to settle. After the birth of her two sons she returned to teaching in the Grafton, MA school system starting at Perry Hill and finishing her tenure at the Grafton Middle School. Wanting to expand her own education experience she attended evening classes at Worcester State Teachers College in the early 60's graduating with a Masters degree in education all while balancing the demands of full time work and family. Next to family teaching was truly her love. A committed teacher, she spent many extra hours preparing lesson plans, grading and looking for novel new ways to give her students the best education she could provide. She had an uncanny ability to recall students names, their strengths and weaknesses in class many years after retirement. She would speak of different lesson plans and projects from a particular class and remember which student did what. She also saved many students papers (too many) that she thought of merit. Occasionally Vivian would encounter a former pupil who would fondly remember having her as a teacher and of course when “Mrs. Root” would let down her long hair at least once during the school year. Vivian was a long time member of Pilgrim Congregational church in Worcester and participated in many activities there over the years also serving as a Deaconess. She later joined the First Congregational Church of Rutland. She was a devoted friend to many, always willing to give a ride or visit to those in need. Often a poem would be included during a visit or phone call, usually one that she had authored. Outliving most of those friends she never failed to offer comfort to those left behind. She of course loved her long phone calls with siblings and the occasional visits back home eagerly anticipating the “joggling board” conversations on the front porch. Vivian overcame many untold trials in her long life but remained a constant positive influence in so many ways. She was truly a remarkable lady who will be dearly missed.
“Laughter is the medicine that everyone should take there are no pills to swallow, no liquid in a bottle at first one has to shake Just open your mouth nice and wide and let that hidden laughter that's inside come outside now to help brighten up the world” by VG Root
The family would like to thank all of the helpful people of Salmon VNA Hospice who provided great comfort in allowing our mother, grandmother and friend to stay and die with grace and dignity at home. No funeral service is planned but a memorial service may be announced in the future at the convenience of the family.
If one wishes to honor Vivian's memory the family suggests giving flowers to one you love while they are alive and making a contribution to: DonorsChoose.org, a wonderful way to help teachers in their classrooms across the country. To share a memory or condolence please mail to: P.O. Box 441 Rutland, MA 01543.