Obituary of Vivien Ann Young

Vivien Ann Young (Pettit) passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024.

She was born Vivien Ann Pettit in Cambridge, England on November 26, 1938. She is survived by Carol Willard (Pettit) sister, Stephen Young, son, Davina Nelson (Dan), daughter, and six grandchildren: Andre Nelson, Riley Nelson, Isabelle Young, Marina Nelson, Esme Young, and Alexander Nelson.

She is preceded in death by Frank Pettit, father, Eva Pettit (Leonard) mother, Jimmie Willard, brother-in-law.

Vivien attended school in Cambridge, England. Her first job was a bookkeeper at a building supply company. She enjoyed working and going to the pub with her best friends from school, that she still kept in touch with after all these years.

Vivien met and married an American, David Young, in 1963 and first lived in Michigan with her sister and brother-in-law. They moved to Minneapolis in 1965 and eventually started a stamp and coin company with Carol and Jim. Dave and Vivien lived in Minneapolis and Bloomington, MN, where they raised two children. In 1980 they built a house in Burnsville, MN. Vivien continued to live there after her and Dave divorced in 1997.

Vivien was very active in the figure skating community. She loved to travel to competitions for Davina to compete and always brought Eva along for the adventure! She was on the Burnsville Minnesota Valley Figure Skating Club board for many years and a member at large at the Twin City Figure Skating Association. She loved volunteering and was in charge of hospitality at many national skating events hosted in the Twin Cities. Vivien knew how to throw a party!

Vivien’s British roots always held an important place in her life, and she traveled back to England to visit friends and family numerous times. She was also a longtime member of the TBPA (Trans-Atlantic Brides and Parents Association) and the DBE (Daughters of the British Empire) in America. Vivien would frequently host luncheons and Christmas parties meeting new members and cherishing long time UK friends.

Vivien was also involved in several Red Hat Society clubs in the local area. She enjoyed decorating and wearing her many red and purple hats and outfits! She enjoyed creating new friendships and of course, hosted the annual summer luau on her patio!

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend! Vivien leaves a vibrant legacy of hospitality and deeply cherishing her family and friends.

Thank you to all the caregivers and staff at the Fountains in Lakeville and Trinity Care Center in Farmington. Everyone loved spending time with Vivien and listening to her stories!