Palmer Trinity School

A midst the most extraordinary of years that all will remember for a long time, Palmer Trinity lost a beacon on campus. Ms. Cerione. Vivian. Viv. A beloved mother, grandmother, friend, sister in Christ, counselor, confidant, spiritual guide and mentor. All of these she enacted with pure love. Love in the midst of trials; love in uncertainty; love in joyous moments; but above all, simple and pure love. In the words of Mary Andreu, "I loved her smirk, smile, twinkle, full body laugh, clasped hands, head bowed, and her eloquent prayers of intercession. She always reached out—helping, comforting, and healing." And from her dear friend Susie Loiacono, "She was the consummate friend; able to give and receive love and always willing to offer her help to her friends whenever needed, whether in the form of a hug or a heartfelt prayer." I could fill a book with quotes; all representing the same sentiment. Vivian had a knack for making you feel important, even when she had a huge pile of work to do. One could walk into her office and she would look up with that bright smile and kind eyes. Then, she would set about working on whatever issues we brought her, adjusting her glasses and peering into the computer to see how she could resolve it. Most of us remember how willingly she helped with our routine practical needs, but for many, she was so much more than that. In the words of Dr. Salomon, "She offered forgiveness, she offered respect for all living things, she offered a warmth that was deeply Christian, and she offered a view of what a Christian life might be." Vivian was a sanctuary of truth and hope for many of her colleagues, and quietly prayed for everyone's needs on campus. She would embrace you in her arms and hug from the heart, but most of all, it was her unwavering faith that shone through. If you needed prayer, she would pray. If you needed a hug, she would get up from her desk and walk right on over to make you feel better. Behind her desk were hundreds of pictures of lives she had touched, and across the room, a framed yearbook page entitled The Brightest Star on Campus. Sitting in that office, I would often think about how aptly that article from the yearbook was titled. Another card from a colleague read, "Some warm the heart with human touch, some have a gift of helping others to see the world as a place of possibility." Vivian was both of those things. Outside of school, Vivian had a packed social calendar; from worship concerts and dining out with her friends to visiting her sons JJ, Chris, David and Nick, who she adored. One special year, all three of her boys married— she danced and rejoiced, welcoming Remembering Vivian Cerione: The Heart of Our School By Anne Neyra, US English 24 palmertrinity.org PERSPECTIVES

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