"Hi Mom ( Dad and Jeff) - things in the family are not good right now with the 6 J's. One of the 6 is losing ground and it has now come to the point we may be contemplating selling our family home :( Four of us want to keep the house but 2 want out and unfortunately the remaining 4 may not be able to afford the buy out - lots of nasty mean comments and that is not how you raised us. Hope you and the boys are resting comfortably. We all miss you guys terribly.....until we chat again....know how much you are loved and missed !! XOXOX Jo Ann"
In loving memory of
Ann M. Viau
September 16, 1935 - August 20, 2021
Ann M Viau, RN, 85 years young, of Newport RI passed away Friday August 20, 2021. Ann was the wife of the late Joe Viau and mom of the late Jeffrey Viau. She is survived by her remaining children Jo Ann Beahm (Ted), Joe Viau, Jeannine Corry, Jennifer Viau, Justin Viau and Juliane Livingston (Michael). She was known as Nannie to her grandchildren Erin Condry, Teddy Beahm (Lexi), Ryan Corry, Madison Corry and Kai Daffron-Viau. She was the great -grandmother to Victoria Bianco and Theo Beahm, IV.
Born in Newport, RI on September 16, 1935, Ann was the oldest of eight children. She is survived by her brothers Terry Chamberlin and Kevin Chamberlin and her sister Clayre Edwards. She was also the sister to deceased brothers Michael Chamberlin, Chip (Robert) Chamberlin and Biff Chamberlin and deceased sister Cheryl Ney. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
One of Anns' passions was going to First Beach and just sitting in the sun, usually reading. Ann loved people watching and always welcomed family and friends into her home. She was well known in the community and those who knew her would often comment how she never seemed to age. Ann loved to bake and always had cookies in the cookie jar and brownies on the stove. She was also famous for her stuffed quahogs and swore never to share her recipe, which she never did! Growing up in Newport she loved riding horses and taking care of her brothers and sisters. Ann's decision to attend nursing school led to a very successful career as a nurse at Newport Hospital. Ann loved tending to her plants and pet parakeets and couldn't wait for her neighbor to plant her tomato plants. Ann liked to travel and especially loved Cape Cod.
Mom, from the seven J's, your family and friends, please know how much you are loved. Your smile and laughter could light up a room. You will be missed!
Calling Hours will be held Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
A Funeral Service for Mrs. Ann Viau will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 11:00AM at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Newport Memorial Park, 123 Howland Ave., Middletown.
Tributes
"Hi mom - busy at work today thinking of you and how much I miss our time together. All is well with the seven J's. You have been joined by leslie ney, (Jan 12, 2023) george leary, (Apr 4, 2023) keehln edwards ( Mar 27, 2023) and of course your sister Clayre (Nov 26, 2022). We miss you, Dad and Jeff daily!!! XOXOXO Jo Ann - Joe - Jeannine - Jennifer - Justin and Julie (and of course Erin (Tori), Teddy ( Lexi and Theo IV), Maddie (G), Ryan, and Kai)."
"Hi mom - Not a day goes by that you are not thought of! We speak of you to each other almost daily, and sometimes to you! Your loss still continues to leave a void in our lives! Unfortunately, we have recently lost more family members....your sister Clayre passed 11./26/22 and your niece Leslie passed 01/12./23. It is with saddened hearts we share these losses. Please know we are well and that you are a great inspiration to us! We love and miss you daily mom - all our love...the 7 J's."
"Ann came into my life 50 years ago! I was a patient and she was my nurse. At that time my young life was in shambles and Ann's kindness, professionalism, care and good humor provided me with a sustaining hope. I have no doubt that she has gone on to lighten up heaven. My sincerest sympathies to her family. Belle Fox-Martin UCCLM"
"This is what has been coming out of my head and heart and not sure to read or post on her wall. Nannie, Nance, Perry, Grandma, Miss Ann... Mom is like a chameleon. She has so many different faces and sides to her, but 1 side remained constant- she loved unconditionally with her whole heart. She loved all of her 7 J's deeply. She loved her family, friends and everyone that entered her life and 3 Bush Street. She was laughter in a room and a calm in most of our storms. She knew when to say the right thing and at times spoke with a hard truth which we all have grown to love, admire, and accept because we knew where it was coming from. The truth was in her heart. Funny- the very thing that failed her. We think about all the faces and lives of the people she touched, shared with, loved and admired. She had a story about each and everyone of them. I know on behalf of the 7J's her stories about each of you and the people she touched will continue on 3 Bush Street through her children and grandchildren. She left a legacy behind her(a litter) and we will make sure her laughter, humor, stories, and love will continue to live on. Mom you will forever be in our heads and hearts and I assure you each of us will be thinking of you daily , be it a story, piece of advice, or a memory that will bring tears to our eyes, a pain in our hearts but a smile eventually to our faces as we know we are blessed to have had you in our lives. Rest Mom and find peace with Dad and Jeffrey. Know that we will forever take care of each other as you would have wanted and passed on that gift to us- that legacy you so long created and instilled in us that family, friends, living and loving is what is most important in our lives! Love you mom! Your 7 J's. Jeannine "
"My grandmother, man this one really sucks. This is gonna be a tough one to get over. Unexpected, but she'll be looking down on us."
"I cannot begin to express how sorry I am. I have so many fond family memories of your mom, dad, brothers, and sisters! Your mom always treated me as one of the family. I loved her smart-ass, witty, and truthful comebacks!!! They were priceless! I know you will all miss her, but remember she will always be around you. She was loved by so many. We will all continue to share our memories of her that will make us laugh, will make us cry, but will always make us smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family."
"I met mrs. viau at ft. Adams beach. We always sat close to her so we could talk. She was such a funny, nice person. I really enjoyed our days soaking up the sun an chatting."
"I have such fond memories of your Mom She was a fierce and brave advocate as a nurse Greatly admired for her many years of hard work ,, a loving and joyful person I deeply respected and am honored to have known Ann really made the world a better place Sending love she will be missed"
"ON BEHALF OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS, CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE J'S ON THE DEATH OF MOM. MAY GOD HOLD HER AND ALL OF YOU IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."
"Joe, Jo Ann, Justin, Jen, Jeannie & Julie and the entire Viau family, I know this is a tough one, she was one of a kind, I'm blessed to have many fond memories of her. I hope these words bring you peace~ look for cardinals around you, a message from heaven that she is near- Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Everything remains as it was. The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no sorrow in your tone. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again. "
"To the entire Viau Family, I hope these words provide you some comfort during this most difficult time. I have so many fond fond memories of your Mom, she was one of a kind! Laura Swistak Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Everything remains as it was. The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no sorrow in your tone. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again. "
"To my sweet girlfriend Ann, how I will miss you. We had started a nice friendship which I so treasured. We may have started late in life but no matter how late it was we just clicked.. I always felt like a kindred soul to you and felt we knew each other at another time. You were so easy to talk with and laugh with, oh how we laughed! Even though we didn?t have the good times we had hoped to have it was such fun planning those times with you.. my deep regrets for your loving family and I pray they use those wonderful memories to find peace and consolation. Sleep well my darling in the sweet arms of our dear Lord. I love you and will never forget my sweet girlfriend from Rhode Island. ?"
"To the Entire Viau family, My sincerest condolences to all if you. Ann was a wonderful woman and a great mentor to me in my nursing career. I will always remember her kindness, compassion, and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time."
"Mom i love you to pieces..ill forever still turn to you for guidence..direction...ill miss all of our moments togeather..i hope one day ill grow into just half the incredible woman you are .. a true matriarch a fixer of all you raised 7 incredible children we will continue to make you proud and live on your legacy there are no words for the love I have for you the appreciation and gratitude that you are my mom you are and always will be one in a million alrighty I miss you and I miss you forever squeeze my brother your son everytime The Sun Shines I know it will be you touching each and everyone of us as you did here on Earth I love you Mom"
"All my thoughts and prayers to this wonderful family in these, the most difficult of times? Ann has left an amazing legacy that will live on forever! "
"My condolences to Ann?s family. She was a good nurse and I enjoyed working with her."
"I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing, my heart breaks for you all. She was such a sweet loving lady & so much fun to be with. I have such great memories of her. I hope your memories & love help you through these tough days ahead.. She will be missed by so many. Please accept our sincere sympathies at this time. You now have another angel watching over you. Our love, thoughts & prayers are with you all. Barbara, Richie, Kailey & Nicholas"
"My sincere condolences to the Viau family."
"My sincere condolences to the Viau family. "
"Mom - this one hurts! You do know how much you are loved! I will miss our trips to Cape Cod and especially our time together over a glass of wine (or three!). Heli says she is going to miss her calls with you! God bless mom and know our lives as the 6 J's will never be the same. I love you ! Hi to Dad and Jeff for me! Jo Ann"