Vivian Soule (28 Feb 1936 - 24 Apr 2022)

Vivian Joan Soule, died Sunday morning, April 24th, at the Deepdene Care Home in Dorking wtih her daughters around her.

Vivi was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada to Phyllis and Leslie Palmer. She married Lawrence “Larry" Soule, on 20th July 1961, he preceded her in death on 10th November 1996.

She leaves 3 daughters: Melanie, Maevaughn and Katrina “Katy”, grandchildren, brother and family, nieces / nephews.

Travel was integral throughout Vivi’s life, from early years in Saint John to arriving in Ashtead Surrey as a child just pre-war. At 10 years old Vivi sat the 11+, an unforeseen pass led her to Dorking grammar a year early and the pursuit of academic endeavour and a lifelong love of history. Later Vivi returned to Canada to divide her doctoral studies between London School of Economics and University of British Columbia, gaining a PhD from the LSE in 1966.

Once married, family life continued in various locations including Malawi, South Sudan, The Solomon Islands, Denby Dale in Yorkshire and Weymouth in Dorset before a full circle return to Dorking in Surrey.

Throughout this varied life, Vivi’s character was consistently embodied by a deep love of knowledge gained through reading, taking pleasure in a chat with strangers, delight in a newly opened box of chocolates and spending time with the family & cats gathered around.

Everyone that met Vivi seemed keen to comment on what a lovely person she was. Vivi will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

The Crematorium ceremony is at Randalls Park Leatherhead at 3:30, Friday 20th May, 2022. For those unable to attend there is a webcast that can be accessed at the time of the funeral or up to 7 days afterwards.
Flowers welcome or a charitable contribution to the RNLI with the JustGiving link provided.