Obituary of Vivian Folensbee

Vivian L. Folensbee, 72, is now at peace after a 16 year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family, whom she called her “whys,” because they are who she fought hardest for. Vivian was born in Sidney, NY on June 4, 1952, to Mary B. Miller and Ernest L. Miller. She attended elementary school in Unadilla and graduated from Unatego High School in 1970. After graduating from high school, she landed her career working at Keith Clark. She remained there for 38 years before being diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Vivian spent those years loving her family, driving countless hours in the car traveling to sporting events, all to be sure her kids lived their best life. Vivian’s fight with cancer included three stem cell transplants; one from Scott Durbin, who granted her a second chance at life, and another came from a selfless young woman from Germany. Vivian never faltered in her quest to be the best mom, grandma, wife, aunt, sister, and friend to everyone who knew her. Her favorite pastimes were spending time with family, baking, tending her garden, going on rides with Bob, and vacationing to the Adirondacks and the beach. Most everyone reading this has eaten a cookie she made and we bet it was one of the best - just like her! She never missed sporting events for her grandkids and was always the first person to call on if you needed a cookie tray for any event. She gave every bit of herself to her family. She lived and battled for them more than she fought for herself, because she was not done making memories with them. The final score is Vivian 2- Cancer 1. She won the war, but we lost the most loving prize. We love you and although your battle has ended, our battle of missing you has just begun. Vivian is predeceased by her parents Ernest and Mary Miller. She is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) Folensbee, her sister Carolyn (Tom) Wilson, brother Charles (Judy) Miller, son John (Sheila) Nolan, daughter Heather (Dan) Rinker, the lights of her life (grandchildren) Alyssa, Aiden, Lindsay, and Tyler, her girls (nieces) from Virginia, Sharene, Tricia, Erika, Leslie, and their amazing families, nephews Mark and Scott, and many life long friends like Theresa Finch, Patricia Fiorina, and Pat McCann. In honor of her wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life held at The Pines at Covered Bridge in Unadilla on March 30, 1:00-4:00pm. All family and friends are welcome to attend. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Unadilla Fire Department in her memory. Unadilla Fire Department P.O. Box R Unadilla, NY 13849