It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Vivian Seidler of Bennington, VT — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
These few paragraphs cannot hold a life, but they may carry a memory.
A parent's life is measured, in part, by the lives she shaped.
Vivian M. Seidler, 86, a resident of Eagle Bridge, NY passed away peacefully at her home on April 28, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Vivian was born on January 22, 1940 to the late George Whitman and Clarissa (Dusablon) Whitman in Bennington, VT. She was one of six children. Vivian received her education at Bennington High School. After graduating she went on to work in manufacturing including Hoy Manufacturing, Green Mountain Furniture, then Tansitor Electronics which is where she retired from in 2002. Vivian would marry her high school sweetheart, Richard Merrow, in 1958. Together they would raise their three children. Though she kept busy with her work, Vivian took time to enjoy the little moments. She treasured time spent with her family; her three children were her greatest treasure. Then came the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren which opened up a whole new world of love and cherished family for her. They all were her greatest joy in life, and she doted on each and every one of them. When her and Richard's children were young, they would take them on camping trips every year and visit out of town family. Vivian was an excellent seamstress and would lovingly sew clothing, Halloween costumes, and Barbie doll clothes for her family and friends. In the Spring and Summer seasons, one could find Vivian tending to her flower gardens at her residence. She prided herself in having a beautifully cared for property. Taking walks around the neighborhood, watching The Waltons, and reading were some of her favorite activities. Once her daughter Richelle moved to Arizona, Vivian loved to visit and spend time with her, and to see the sights Arizona had to offer. Vivian held a very special place in her families heart, and in the hearts of many friends she kept in touch with - "there is an empty space in our hearts without her". Vivian is survived by her children: April Forrest, Rhonda Hoyt (Brad), and Richelle Jasso. Her grandchildren: Nicholas Lacy, Travis Merrow, Jared Forrest (Jessica), and Seannah Barrier (Lamar). Her great-grandchildren: Trenton Hill, Piper Forrest, Samarhii Forde, Jazon Forde, and Kaelyn Grogan. Her brothers: Albert Whitman (Rosemary), and Douglas Whitman (Sutzie), as well as many nieces and nephews. Vivian is predeceased by her parents, George and Clarissa Whitman. Her lifelong friend and former spouse, Richard Merrow. Her siblings: Theresa Eastman, George Whitman (fondly known as Butch, and David Whitman. At Vivian's request, there will be no funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Contributions in memory of Vivian Seidler may be made to either the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association through the office of EP Mahar & Son Funeral Home located at 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.
