In Memoriam - Vivi Diefenthaler

Helene "Vivi" Provine Diefenthaler
of Columbia, MD,

 passed away on March 21, 2018. 

She was born on December 4, 1943, 

to Joseph Vona and Helene Gregory Vona. 

She was a member of
 Our Savior Lutheran Church,

 Laurel, MD.
As a young girl, 
Vivi was quite the horsewoman, 
winning many ribbons and trophies. 
A natural athlete, 
she ran many triathlons and marathons
 and also qualified 
and ran the Boston Marathon.

She enjoyed the running and working out 

to keep herself physically fit. Dancing, 

reading, singing in her church choir, 

and travel overseas were also great loves. 
She retired from the 
Howard County, Maryland Offices on Aging
as director of an adult day-care center.
Recently, she spent countless hours
 working with her husband 
for Lutheran World Relief.

She is survived by her husband,
Dr. Jon Diefenthaler, 

daughter Kimberly Lourenco (Thomas)

 of Olney, MD, 

and son Robert William Provine (Lena)

 of Los Angeles, CA, 
grandchildren Sarah, Isabelle, and James;

 Step-son Col. Andrew Diefenthaler (Beth)
 of Richmond, VA, 

step-daughers Kathryn Wiltse (Eric)
 of Sanford, FL,

 Lisa Woodson (Tracy) of Richmond, VA,

 and Heidi Bernardi (Sam) of Valparaiso, IN, 

and their children William, Henry, Luke, Chloe, 

Grace, Erin, TJ, Sammy, and Sydney. 

She was preceded in death by her parents-

 Joseph and Helene Vona.

Recently, I was blessed to spend 

a bit of time with Vivi 

at the Best Practices Conference in Phoenix.

Former Council of President wives
 and those serving now

gathered around a table for Visual Prayer.

We gathered for this fun photo too.

Here are some recent comments

 from our group:

"I am thankful that I had the pleasure

 of seeing Vivi recently 

and in my last sight of her

 she was joyfully dancing.

 I’m thankful for the joy of the Lord

 that she lived out in her life."

"I can see her now in heaven
 giving everyone a kiss 
on the cheek and dancing!! 
We celebrate the resurrections 
that she now enjoys!"

"Vivi was one-of-a-Kind, 
have had the pleasure 
of being with both of them 
at LIRS events since we all retired. 
She will be so missed especially
 by the grandkids 
she cared for on a daily basis. 
We will pray for the family."

"Vivi was always gracious & kind, 
taking time to notice each person
 and give an encouraging word.
 I remember her dancing 
the night away with Jon 
at a recent conference and laughing 
with some of us at our COP wives 
table at Best Practices. 
What life she had - 
and what LIFE she now has!"

Vivi with a smile that gifted us well.


Memorial donations in honor 

of Vivi may be sent to:

Lutheran World Relief

700 Light Street 

Baltimore, MD 21230

A memorial will be made in Vivi's honor

 from the Southeastern District 

Women's Ministry.

I give thanks for words of encouragement
 that were always the gift from Vivi to me.
She will be dearly missed.
Connie