Vivian Doris Gagnon, 93, a lifetime resident of Anaconda, died July 7, 2016, in Rapid City, South Dakota, where she had moved to be close to her daughter, Connie, and son-in-law. She was born April 19, 1923, in Driggs, Idaho, to Clifford and Veldon Smith. She was the second of five children, including four brothers, Don, Wayne, Del and Marvin, all of whom preceded her in death. She moved to Anaconda as a child and lived in town until age 13 when the family moved to the West Valley (Smithville).
Viv is a graduate of Anaconda High School. She married Leonard E. Gagnon on January 21, 1940 in Anaconda. They were together for 72 years, until Len passed away in 2012.
Family and home were the center of Viv's universe. She loved daily summer horseback rides with Connie, Sandy, her adult friends as well as friends of Connie and Sandy when the kids were growing up. Connie and Sandy have great memories of pack trips they took with their parents and friends.

An extremely shy person at heart, Viv avoided being in the limelight at public gatherings, although she did enjoy visiting with individuals and small groups at such functions. Her delicious edible and decorative contributions were enjoyed at the many parties in Anaconda that she attended with Len.

Vivian entertained at home frequently with style and grace and always in a way that made every guest feel welcome and appreciated. She was a great cook and baker and loved sending goodies home with her guests. Her artistically frosted sugar cookies were both beautiful and delicious. She was an expert povitica maker as well. (We still miss that at Christmas time!)

A beautiful yard and garden reflected Viv's green thumb. She loved sharing plant starts with others. Many were the recipients of garden produce raised by her. She spent hours picking raspberries, again sharing them fresh or in the form of freezer jam she seemingly made by the ton.

No seamstress outdid Viv. She developed the enviable skill of looking at a garment in a store and replicating it perfectly for Connie. She could also knit like none other; she was a real "knit wit." (That is k-n-i-t wit.) Her kids and grandkids sported many creations made by her. She knitted gorgeous white coats for both her daughter and daughter-in-law that were especially enjoyed and envied by others.
Vivian is survived by two children, Connie (Jacque) Best of Rapid City and Sandy (Harriet) Gagnon of Bozeman. She had four grandchildren, Marc (Suzanne) Best of Helena, Jodi (Shad Harford) Anderson of Rapid City, Marty (Heidi) Gagnon of Bozeman, and Shawn Gagnon of San Francisco. Great-grandchildren include Brooke Anderson of Bozeman, Logan Anderson of Rapid City, Mallory Best of Rapid City, Shaimera Best of Helena, and Kylie and Matt Gagnon of Bozeman. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed close relationships.

Mom will be missed by many, but the memories she built will live on.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday at 10:30 am in St. Peter's Catholic Church. Interment of ashes will follow in New Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vivian's name may be made to Meals on Wheels of Anaconda (put in address, please), Anaconda Community Hospital, 401 West Pennsylvania Street, Anaconda, MT 59711, or to the charity of your choice.