Vivien Barbara Cyrus

Vivien Barbara Cyrus (August 1, 1939- June 7, 2025) daughter of the late Lewis & Jane Cyrus, Campbeville, Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), South America. Co-founder, with Rosamund Davis, of Bellingham Montessori School, “The Children’s House” (A.M.I.) for 18 years, from 1972-1990, and pioneer of The Montessori Method of Education in Bellingham. “God’s Love and Divine Blessings, Always” – V&R *** Last of the two Bellingham Montessori Pioneers A Tribute *** Vivien Barbara Cyrus (1939-2025) * Vivien Cyrus (aka “Patsy by her relatives) was born in British Guyana, South America. She left, at the age of 18 yrs., and completed her education in England and in France (The Manor Hospital, Epsom, Surrey, England; & University of London Extension at the Sorbonne, Paris). She was, also, employed as a nanny/governess in those two countries and later, went on to graduate from the Maria Montessori Training Organization in London. After her arrival in the US, in 1966, she and Rosamund Davis worked, together, as A.M.I. (Association Montessori Internationale) Montessori teachers & consultants in Portland, OR, San Francisco and Santa Monica, CA, and Seattle, WA before establishing the first Montessori School in Bellingham, WA in 1972. During the three years that she and Rosamund lived in San Francisco, Vivien also worked as a substitute teacher for the San Francisco & Berkely Unified School Districts. She also worked for the Urban League; and later, received a Commendation from Assemblyman William Brown of the CA State Legislative Assembly, for her work achieved with students at The National Career Institute. Being awarded a scholarship to The American Conservatory Theater (ACT) led to her becoming a member of The New Shakespeare Co. She also hosted a 2-hour Sunday talk-show (Black Montage) for KDIA Radio. “Thankfully, all those jobs helped to pay for the rent.” However, she found none of these occupations as fulfilling as the profession for which she was trained. “The happiest years of my life were those spent working alongside Rosamund, with little children in a Montessori environment.” Vivien and Rosamund went on to receive two appointments as US Delegates representing Montessori Education, conferred upon them by the Dwight D. Eisenhower Citizen Ambassador Program (Pres. George H.W. Bush, Honorary Chairman): 1) in 1991, to The People’s Republic of China, at the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Education and 2) in 1992, as US Delegates to Russian, Hungary, and Poland, by invitations from the respective Ministries of Education of those countries. Acceptance became impossible when Rosamund was diagnosed with “an aggressive form of rheumatoid arthritis”. Viven’s favorite pastimes were writing poetry, writing children’s stories and children’s songs, sharing a mutual love of the Classical Arts and other interests with Rosamund, and gardening. Message from Vivien: I would like to pay tribute and express my eternal gratitude to all the parents who entrusted the care and/or education of their children to me, in England, France, and America. No honour has ever been more greatly appreciated than this trust. Nothing has ever surpassed its importance, nor has ever touched me more deeply. Your children filled my days with endless joy, and a treasure-chest overflowing with happy memories, shared with Rosamund during our retirement. I consider myself highly privileged and greatly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve each and every one of those sweet, adorable little beings during the most formative years of their lives. The Light in their eyes, and tinkling chimes of their laughter will remain in my heart, forever. For this most cherished of my life’s experiences, my humble thanks, and blessings to you all.” * In lieu of flowers please make donations to a children’s charity of your choice, in memory of Vivien & Rosamund.* Thank you. A Funeral service will be held at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview Chapel located at 2465 Lakeway Dr. Bellingham, WA. on Friday August 1st at 10AM followed by a graveside service held at Bayview Cemetery, located at 1420 Woburn St. in Bellingham, WA. with a reception immediately following back at Bayview Chapel.

Vivien Barbara Cyrus

August 1, 1939 - June 7, 2025