#MiddleburyCT #SyossetNY #Obituary #VanWagner
Vivien Van Wagner (née Rafford) of Syosset, N.Y., and Middlebury, Conn., died on September 5, 2026, after a short illness.
She was born in April 1945, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Albert and Jessie Rafford. She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, John Van Wagner.
Vivien graduated John Jay High School and Packer Junior College with honors, where she was class president and commencement speaker. She subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from C. W. Post University.
She started her career at Bankers Trust, eventually becoming assistant vice president. She served as clerk/treasurer of Muttontown, N.Y. She also worked as a paralegal and photographer.
She is survived by sisters Jane Mann of N.J. and Pamela Rafford of N.Y.; brothers Robert Rafford (Joan) of Conn. and Brian Rafford (Margaret) of N.Y.; also, nephew Brian K. Rafford (Erin O’Neill) and niece Priscilla Mann (Casey Woodruff). She was predeceased by brother William Rafford and nephew Theodore Mann.
She leaves sister-in-law Bobbi Godleski and her children Kevin (Kirsten) Godleski, Eric (Helen) Godleski, daughter Kristen (Bela) Vincze.; and sister-in law JoAnn Vetter (Robert) and their daughter, Teri (Jeff Roncone)
She was particularly close to dear friends Dayle and Irwin Zaretsky and their children, whom she also considered her niece and nephews: Missy (Glen), Hugh, and Ari (Georgia).
Vivien was smart, kind, and extremely generous. She loved and supported the arts. There were no calling hours. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Services are being handled by Beney Funeral Home of Syosset.
To honor Vivien’s memory, you may wish to support her favorite charity: Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5022, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or go to www.doctorswithoutborders.com
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