Sister Viviana Harman, BVM
Sister Viviana Harman, BVM, 93, died Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.
Visitation, the Sharing of Memories and Mass of Christian Burial were on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Burial was in the Mount Carmel cemetery.
Sister Viviana was born on Nov. 8, 1930, in Beverly Hills, Calif., to Gerald and Vivian (Williams) Harman. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1954, from Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly Hills, Calif. She professed first vows on March 19, 1957, and final vows on July 16, 1962.
Sister Viviana ministered as a music teacher at St. Francis Xavier and at St. Philip, St. Brigid, and St. Thomas More in San Francisco, and as an elementary teacher at St. Brendan in Los Angeles. She also served as a music teacher in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and as a researcher and consultant for the National Keyboard Arts Association.
“[One of her students] wrote, Sister Viviana is amazing in her knowledge! If you ask her a question, you will get an intelligent answer. She knows religion like the back of her hand, and she knows English like the front of her hand. She always has control of the class, strict but kind. She keeps us interested in the class discussions. . . She gives helpful advice for life, just like Jesus did.’” (Eulogy).
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Charles Harman and Gerald Harman, Jr. She is survived by cousins and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 69 years.
Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or make an online gift.
Watch Memorial Mass and Sharing of Memories Download Eulogy Download Sharing of Memories
I will so miss sister Viviana. She had the most beautiful smile. Her eyes would twinkle, and her face would light up every time she smiled. I remember how she was always so happy. One time I asked her how she stayed so happy. She said, “I am so blessed.” I have come back to volunteer with the sisters each Monday. I would make a point to go and see her and ask for her to give me one of her beautiful smiles so I could remember that while I was at my job. I told her I would think about her and her beautiful smile. I’m so happy that she is with Jesus now.
My mother Jean Pyeatt and Sister Viviana were best of friends since meeting at Mount St. Mary’s in the 1950’s. Through the years they met up with each other to go shopping or out to eat. Sister Viviana (or Sister Pat as we knew her) smiled all the time and never complained. My mama loved her so as did our whole family.
Rest well Sister Pat, we all love you so very much. You are with God now, and with Father Charley.
Praise the Lord for He is good.
Love, Becky, Jeff and our children Doug and Sarah and grandchildren Emily and Katie