Vivian Mae Souza's Obituary
Vivian Mae Souza, aged 93, of Tampa Florida, died at Palm Garden Skilled Nursing Facility on August 22, 2025 at 6:20pm.
She was born on February 26, 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska to Celester Shmidt and Helen Carow. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Ritenour High School there. She met her first husband, Johnny Hampton, in St. Louis and they were married on October 3, 1948. On September 8, 1961, she married John Wm. Souza in Los Angeles, California. They remained together until his death in 1999.
Vivian was a wonderful mother to her three girls, teaching them everything from ironing to roller skating and phone etiquette. She managed her home and children while working in various capacities. She nearly always held a job and this was a point of pride for her - even fibbing about her age to get her first job at 15! She and her husband ran an insurance agency in Wichita, KS in the 1960’s and 1970’s - John sold the policies and she handled the paperwork and phones. During this time in Kansas she was active as a Lioness in the Lion’s Club. Later, in California, she and her husband were active in the Amaranth division of the Masonic club. She retired from Panella Trucking in Stockton, CA after 28 years of service and moved to Utah and later Florida. She was baptised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 2013. She made friends everywhere she went and was loved by many.
Vivian is survived by her daughters Linda Mae Nicholas, Diane Marie May (Kenneth), and Betty Elaine Daley (Johnny). She is also survived by her grandchildren Hayden Chase Daley, Charlie Garrett May (Aster), Jennifer Annette Cropper, Justin Allen Cropper (Jennifer), Michelle Lee Schreck (Scott), Charity Anne Snell (Jason), 13 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at 10:00am on September 2, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 13510 N. 42nd St., Tampa, FL 33613. The funeral will follow at 11:00am
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