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Vivian (Minervini) Corbyons
4/8/2022
Vivian (Minervini) Corbyons of DeLand, Florida, passed away at home on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the age of 94. Beloved wife of the late Corrado "Rusty" Corbyons, and daughter of the late Hugo and Matilda (Matteo) Minervini, she is survived by and was the loving mother of Candace Lankford (Robert); Thomas (Marian); and Eric (Janis). Vivian was also a devoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Vivian outlived her siblings; however, she and her sister Joan shared a close and lifelong friendship, and she adored her two brothers, Ronald and Richard.
Vivian was born in Greenwich Village, New York, on October 21, 1927. She graduated from Walton High School in the Bronx in 1945 and married Rusty in February of 1946. In 1960, they moved to Miami with their three children, and Vivian lived there for over 60 years. Her favorite and most fulfilling employment was with Eastern Airlines, initially as a reservation agent and then as a gate agent. She brought professionalism, kindness and humor to her interactions with everyone. She and Rusty also enjoyed traveling the world together over the years with their family and close friends.
Love of family, friends, and animals was the singular driving force in her life. Vivian and Rusty took care of anyone who turned to them for assistance. Even if you had not solicited her help, Vivian was assuredly already working in the background in search of a solution for you. Her wise advice and open door blessed all who knew her. Dogs and cats found meals and homes because of her unwavering affection and concern.
Vivian was known for her wonderful cooking: to her, food was love. We learned how to make Grandma Tilly's prized meat sauce and many other treasured recipes. Family dinners were Vivian's idea of happiness; if there were no occasion to celebrate, she created one, and we all loved her for it.
Her sharp wit, quick quips, and irreverent spirit were a source of hilarity and admiration, even through her sunset years. At 94, she still had an amazing memory. Vivian was our family matriarch and commanded our love and respect; she was the glue that held us together. The world is a lonelier place without her.
She would have asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to autism speaks, PO Box 37147, Boone, IA 50037-0147; or to North Shore Animal League, 16 Lewyt Street, Port Washington, NY 11050.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service for Vivian at Lankford Funeral Home, DeLand, on Saturday, April 23 at 10:00 am.