Vivian Josephine (Jacobson) Burley

Vivian Burley, age 95, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Bellingham, WA.

She was born in Bellingham on November 12, 1928, to John W. and Hildur J. (Holland) Jacobson and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1946. As a lifetime resident of Bellingham, Vivian was an active member of the First Baptist Church, the Elks Emblem Club, and for many years was the office assistant at Wahl’s Department Store.

Vivian met the love of her life, John Burley, on Halloween in 1948. They were married in March of 1949 and had three children together. As a family, they enjoyed camping and fishing.

After retirement, Vivian and John would travel all over the country in their motorhome. Some of their adventures included visiting the midwestern and southern states, Alaska, and eastern Washington. Although she loved traveling, home was her favorite place to be.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John Corwin Burley, daughter Linda Kae Smith, brother Lloyd Jacobson, sister Norma Jean Graffunder, and her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Jackie Burley and her husband John Fernandez, son John H. Burley and his wife Debbie, six grandchildren, Chad, Mark, Kyle, Brianne, Kelsey, and Christopher, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

A public visitation will be held on Monday, April 29th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway, Bellingham, WA. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 30th at 1:00pm at Bayview Cemetery, 1420 Woburn St. Bellingham, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Whatcom Hospice Foundation.