GORHAM- Dawn Ratcliffe Vivian passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on December 11, 2024 in
Gorham, Maine. She was born in Providence, R.I. on August 17, 1933 to James and Alice
Ratcliffe. In High School she was crowned “Miss Red Feather.” She graduated from Pembroke
(Brown University) with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1955. She married the love of her
life, John Albert Vivian on July 14, 1956. They had a long and loving marriage and were
completely devoted to each other and to their children. She started her career as a Kindergarten
teacher before marrying John. She was a very talented pianist and organist and was both a
Youth Choir director and Organist in several churches in Massachusetts, R.I and Maine. She
loved sharing her gift of music with others. She enjoyed serving on the welcoming committee to
newcomers at St. Ann’s Church in Windham, Maine where she and John were active members
for many years. Her greatest joy in life was having all four of her children together for family
events and spending time with her loving husband.
She is predeceased by her husband John Albert Vivian who recently passed away in October of
2024. Surviving are her sister Dianne Sprinthall, children David, Stephen and his wife Sue,
James, Christine and her husband Joe. Also grandchildren Daniel, Nathan, Madeleine, Alison,
Samantha, Andrew, Nicholas, Micheal, Timothy and Griffin and several great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Windham, Maine on Saturday,
January 4, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com