Vivian Connell passed away today in the presence of her loving family.
If you are a regular reader of the blog, you know that Vivian Connell was a teacher, a lawyer, a lawyer who returned to teaching, a woman who learned she had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a woman who faced her death with courage and dignity.
Several of her posts appeared here. See here and here and hereand here and hereand here and here.
I want to share a small part of this wonderful woman with everyone I know.
Deepest condolences to her husband and children, who loved her so.
Sorrow for the world to lose such a beautiful person.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Very sad to hear of her passing, brave and inspiring person.
RIP, Vivian. Your life matters.
What a remarkable person. We are richer for having had her example. May the memory of her spirit and love of life sustain her family and friends through the loneliness to come.
Vivian left a giant hole in the world. We will all have to try to fill it with good works and our continued fight for justice. Sharing her words is the perfect beginning. xx
So very sorry to learn of Vivian’s passing. My condolences to her family. A real loss.
I knew Vivian only through Diane’s posts and links to Vivian’s own words and videos. She lived as fully as possible all the way to the end. I trust her family knows that she inspired many of us.
They do, Ms. Chapman. One of the only good things through all of this is they have been surrounded by love and gratitude for a life well lived.
From your post on March 27, 2014:
“Vivian reminds us that each of us must decide how we will spend “the time that is given us.” None of us knows whether that time will be marked in days, weeks, months, or years.
The choice is ours.”
So true. My condolences to Vivian’s family.
For readers of this blog who care about end-of-life issues, here’s a fascinating and beautiful story from KQED in California. Be sure you’ve got a box of tissues handy.
https://ww2.kqed.org/stateofhealth/2016/08/11/terminally-ill-california-artist-hosts-two-day-rebirth-party-before-ending-her-life-2/
My deepest condolences to Vivian’s family and friends, of who she has many–so drawn to her through her meaningful posts on this blog.
My condolences on the loss of your dear friend. That is a tough disease but she faced it with great dignity…
my condolences to her family, friends, and you….. the world will miss her light…..
Thank you for this post, Diane. It was an honor and a gift to work with Vivian in Chapel Hill. As I said on my Facebook tribute to her, anyone whose life was graced by Vivian is now a vessel for her legacy. Selfless, caring, instructive, and true.
Reblogged this on Matthews' Blog and commented:
God rest her soul in peace
R.I.P. Vivian – You made a difference. Condolences to the family ….
Dearest Vivian:
You are an amazing fighter for Public Education. May God take your hand and lead you to his kingdom of peace. My deepest sympathy is with your loves ones.
Respectfully yours,
May King