Vianna Bond

Life is full of so many beautiful things that enrich our journey every day, but it was clear that Vianna Bond found no greater joy than when she was surrounded by the ones she loved. She was a devoted wife who was supportive of her husband in all his endeavors, and together they raised the children who were her greatest source of pride and joy. Although she was gentle and kindhearted, Vianna could also be opinionated or even feisty at times when it came to matters she was passionate about. The memories she leaves behind will be forever cherished by the many people whose lives she touched.

With the dawn of the 1920s America was eager to move forward after saying goodbye to the hardships of WWI. This was a time rich in growth and expansion within our borders that was fueled by innovation that was only limited by the scope of one’s dreams. We welcomed changes such as the 40 hour work week and the implementation of child labor laws and with conveniences such as the washing machine and the refrigerator, things couldn’t have been better. It was during this time of discovery that one young family from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was preparing for the birth of their baby. Vianna was welcomed into the arms of her parents, Harry and Dorothy (Hall) Heathman, on March 16, 1920. She was the second of six children in her family including her sisters, Evelyn, Doris, and Frances, and her brothers, Edward and Roger. Her father worked as a painter and the owner of a retail store while her mother was a homemaker.

When Vianna was just a toddler she moved with her family to St. Johns, Michigan - the place she would call home throughout most of the rest of her life. It was there that she met the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Arthur Bond, and he was a lifelong resident of the area. The details of how the couple met are not really known, but it may have been at one of the Bond family’s legendary bonfires. However, it is clear that once Vianna and Art met, the sparks flew. With a desire to build a life together, the couple became husband and wife on June 29, 1940, in the parsonage of the local Congregational church.

Their lives as newlyweds were soon interrupted, however, when WWII enveloped our nation after the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. After declaring war the very next day, our nation sent countless servicemen and women overseas, and Art joined the ranks of those who answered the call to serve.

When Art was discharged, they settled in St. Johns where he began working in a variety of industries. Vianna focused her attention on raising their six children: Gary, Bruce, Ron, Rod, Linda, and Gloria. There were times that she worked outside the home a bit including at Parr’s Drugstore. Once Art became a licensed mortician in his forties, he secured employment with Osgood Funeral Home, and Vianna came alongside him to help out with whatever she could. Through the years she did some sewing, hairstyling, and anything else that was needed.

First and foremost in Vianna’s life was training and nurturing her children. Although she was a rather strict mother, she also mastered the technique of being able to laugh with her children. Vianna’s heart was truly happiest when she was at home no matter what she was doing. She and Art were not very demonstrative when it came to their love for one another, but there was no doubt that they were truly happy and content in their marriage. Vianna’s children knew that being punctual was a priority to their mother, especially when it came to mealtimes as they knew it was best to never be late! She was a great cook who canned just about anything - perhaps because she was always looking for ways she could rub two pennies together to make a nickel.

In addition to her work at the funeral home, Vianna kept busy doing other things she enjoyed, too. She volunteered at the hospital and also liked playing Bunko and Bridge with their friends. A woman of faith, Vianna was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Another favorite activity was traveling to the casino with her daughters. She liked animals, but was never too fond of baby mice.

When reflecting on the extraordinary woman that Vianna Bond was, we are reminded that happiness isn’t found in the acquisition of wealth or possessions or even in the accolades of others, but that it is in loving and caring for others that we are richly blessed. She was a true helpmeet to her husband whom she dearly loved as well as a devoted mother to the children she treasured. She was passionate or even feisty when she felt strongly about something, but she was someone who never shied away from speaking her mind if it was something she viewed to be the truth. A genuine gift to those around her, Vianna will be deeply missed.

Vianna Bond died on July 27, 2011. Vianna’s family includes her three sons, Bruce (Kathy) Bond of Perrinton, Ron Bond of Napa, ID & Rod (Jean) Bond of St. Johns; two daughters, Linda (Gale) Walling of Utica & Gloria (Hougie) Hofacker of Owosso; 12 grandchildren;17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Doris (Forrest) Swatman and Frances “Fritz” Thurston, all of St. Johns; and one brother, Roger ( Gloria ) Heathman of Dansville. In addition to her husband, Vi was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Gary Bond; her sister, Evelyn Buck; and her brother, Edward “Spud” Heathman.

Funeral Services will be 2:30 pm, July 29, 2011 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions in her name to Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor. To learn more about Vianna and view her Life Story film, visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/72341.