Vivian Berkeley

1941 - 2025

Passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, on Monday, March 17th, 2025, in her 84th year.

Two-time World Blind Lawn Bowling Champion, 1996 Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, and 2002 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist. Berkeley is accredited with helping build the sport of lawn bowls for the blind and visually impaired in Canada.

Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Vivian attended the Halifax School for the Blind. She moved to Kitchener in 1968, where she worked in the radiology department at Grand River Hospital. She later became an in-classroom teacher’s aide for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. In her spare time, Vivian enjoyed knitting afghans, doing puzzles, and listening to her favorite team, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Beloved wife and best friend of the late Richard Douglas Berkeley, who predeceased her in October of 2024. They were married for over 50 years.

Loving mother of Laura Lee Shone of Newfoundland and Michael (girlfriend Emily Allard) of Kitchener. Cherished grandmother of Samantha Shone, also of Newfoundland.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Jean Drinkwater of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.

She will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Richard. A private gathering will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Breslau, Ontario. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

Donations may be made to the Grand River Hospital Foundation as expressions of sympathy.

Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Vivian’s obituary notice on Facebook.