Obituary

Vivian Patricia “Qwil-see-mia” George (Tom) of the Tulalip Tribes and Lummi Nation, took her last breath on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 surrounded by her beloved family and friends. Vivian was also known as “Lucky” as her nick name growing up. 

Vivian Married the love of her life in Bellingham, Washington to the late Antone “Tony” George, he was a descendent of the Colville Tribe. Vivian was a descendent of the Tulalip, Lummi, Snoqualmie and Samish Tribes. Vivian attended the Lummi Day School and went on to learn and live her spiritual life at the age of 14, she was the first woman being initiated into the Long House on the mainland. After her spiritual life she went to attend Bringham Young University in Utah to become Lummi Natural Resources Fisheries officer. After her father Isadore Tom Sr, Vivian and her mate Tony worked as an archaeologist at Semiahmah Spit after remains were uncovered. She and the love her life would hit the pow-wow trail throughout the summer months in their big conversion vans. They both loved the beat of the round drum. If they weren’t participating in the pow-wow scene, you would catch them at the stick games. You would often see her casino hopping. She had her own special way of pushing the button and winning off the smallest bet. When the Grandkids were little, she would take them to the drive-in theatre or to her favorite “Granny Stores”. All the grandkids would run down West Shore road once they heard the ice cream man, grandma and grandpa would always buy them their favorite ice cream. She loved running into family and friends. You would often see her cruising the Rez whether it be Tulalip or Lummi, she was simply checking on everyone. Vivian had lots of best friends from every reservation. They would go visit at the Blue house on West Shore Road or stop at her good friends homes and they can sit and reminisce than she would be on road to her next destination. But before she would leave she would always leave a special gift as her Partner in Crime or Pard “Della” would say. 

Vivian was a beautiful, loving soul. She showed her love by giving her soft sweet kisses on their forehead and cheeks. She had her crazy moments and she also had her serious moments. She was sharp with you when needed. She lived the old teachings and was strict in passing the teachings on to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Her leadership and strength will be remembered always. She never hesitated to help someone in need. She would always say, “if we don’t give our people a chance, who will?” She was amazing, inspirational, always had her hands out with open arms for love, strength and compassion. We will never forget her beautiful smile. Her memories will live on through those who knew and loved her. And she will always be remembered as the West Shore Queen. 

Vivian is survived by her Sons: Dave Johnson (Becki), Joe Johnson (Sharon), Jack Johnson (Mary); Patrick George and Antone George and Daughter Laurie George (Jerry); her sisters Geraldine “Gerry” Bill and Loretta “Fallia” Tom. 29 Grandchildren; 39 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her Parents: Isadore Tom Sr and Laura Ella Jackson, Husband: Tony George, 3 Johnson Babies, Daughter: Cheryl Louise, Great Grand Kids: Steven Michael George and Michael David Siblings: Isadore “Dobie” jr, Loreen “Curly Top”, Janice “JJ”, Lucy “Hoot”, Beverly “Bev” and Alvin “Al”.