Our Angel, Helen Viviand
One of the most beautiful benefits of being in spiritual community together is witnessing each other’s beauty and greatness. We also get to lean on each other for support and comfort. Today, as we celebrate the beauty and greatness of Helen Viviand, we lean on each other.
With a heart full of gratitude for the blessing of her life, we share with you the passing of our beloved Helen. Following a heroic journey through challenges with her health, Helen moved into the next dimension of life Thursday evening. In days prior, almost by miracle, some family and friends were able to be with her.
Helen was an extraordinary member and leader within our community. She served in many capacities throughout her almost 30 years at Unity on the Bay. She served as a Board Member for a few terms. She also helped create our Congregational Care Ministry serving within it for many, many years. In that capacity, she met one-on-one with many in our community, supporting them through some of the most challenging life experiences. Yet, most will know her as the leader of our Angels Everywhere Team for almost two decades. Through her leadership, thousands of lives were touched as she helped Unity on the Bay become a beacon of hope and outreach through our annual Backpack Drive, Toiletry Drive, Thanksgiving Drive, Arts on the Bay and Christmas Joy Program. We are certain that Helen not only made lives better, she also saved many. This was something she did even outside of Unity on the Bay. In 2012, in gratitude for all she accomplished in the many communities she supported, the Miami-Dade County Commission designated December 18th as Helen Viviand day.
Please join us in holding our beloved Helen, her wife Linda and their family and friends in a bond of prayer. While we grieve the loss of Helen’s physical presence, we also celebrate the eternal nature of her life in God. We are grateful that this special soul is now an angel that is truly everywhere and in every moment.
Thank you, God, for the love and the service of Helen Viviand.
Join us tomorrow for our online Sunday Service, which is being dedicated in her honor. A Celebration of Life Service will be planned in the coming weeks. As we have more information, we will share it with you.
If you need spiritual support in moving through this time, please do not hesitate to call upon us.
In unity and love,
Chris Jackson, Senior Minister
Juan del Hierro, Associate Minister
