Vivian Forst

Mary Vivian Wright, born on June 25th, 1911, was called home on February 23rd 2023 at the age of 111.5, a fact she shared with everyone new she met.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Frederick Forst, in 1953. She leaves behind two children, Linda Linke and Rick Forst (Peggy), five grandchildren: Craig (Valerie Meredith Pyle), Lisa, Chris, Erin, Lauren, a great grandchild Kate (Robert Lalumendier) and one great-great-grandchild, Vivienne.

Vivian was the youngest amongst six children in a coal mining family in Linton, Indiana. All but one brother worked in the mines and were gifted musicians. The family enjoyed Sunday meals together after church, telling jokes, playing card games and singing together while the sons played a variety of instruments.

Vivian was a strong, incredibly hard working, fiercely independent woman, raising her children alone after her husband’s passing. She never remarried, saying “no one could ever hold a candle to Fred.” She looked forward to seeing him in heaven, when she expected him to say: “Vivian, what took you so long?"

As a single mother, she worked tirelessly as a secretary and bookkeeper for the local high schools.

With a dedication to saving, given to her by her father during The Great Depression, along with her State Policeman Widow’s pension, she was able to put her two children through Indiana University - Bloomington. An avid IU fan, she never missed watching a basketball or football game and cheered them on for decades.

Vivian’s faith and sense of humor helped her through difficult times. Living alone until 101, she set an example of how to persevere through life’s many turmoils. When she finally needed more care, she once again handled hardship with grace, leading the exercise classes at her new nursing home.

She gave her all to any community she was a part of: Knightstown United Methodist Church, Tri Kappa, multiple bridge clubs, booster clubs for her children’s activities, and serving as an election judge until her early 90s. A staunch Democrat in a very red state, she honored her civic, neighborly and Christian duties whenever a need appeared.

Never one to let age get in the way of being presentable, Vivian always had her makeup bag close and a hair appointment penciled in. She was a true friend to all animals, but loved cats, dogs, birds and burros with special affection. Her lessons in life were many, but she shared one above all: “Pray ceaselessly,” as a school teacher once instructed.

While the family grieves the loss of a matriarch and the end of an era, know that there is much joy in retelling stories and sharing memories, while she is celebrated in heaven, reunited with her husband, her family and her friends, whom she thinks will be relieved in finally seeing her to learn that she did not, in fact, “go to the other place.”

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 1st at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in Knightstown, Indiana. Visitation begins at 11 am, with the service immediately following at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Knightstown United Methodist Church or Meals On Wheels, where she delivered meals to seniors for years. You may express condolences or share a memory of Vivian at www.hinsey-brown.com .