Vivien Richards, Ph.D.
January 18, 1935 - April 14, 2024

Vivien Richards, a renowned neuropsychologist, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2024. Born in Ohio to Bessie Balik and Emil Uher, she was predeceased by her three husbands: Morris Cordova, Joseph P. Day Sr., and Richard P. Borough. Her sister, Betty Tost, passed away before her.

Vivien’s intellectual curiosity led her on a remarkable academic and professional journey. After graduating from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in physics, she later pursued a master’s degree in psychology at the University of San Jose. Her passion for understanding the human brain then brought her to Stanford University, where she earned a Ph.D. in neuropsychology.

Vivien worked in aerospace engineering at Eglin Air Force Base, was at the forefront of programming in its early days at Stanford, and contributed to database development at Oracle. She worked at the Stanford Research Institute, TRW, and United Technologies. In mid-life, she studied Oriental Medicine and became certified in acupuncture and herbal medicine. She worked with her husband Richard to build MasterMind, a small business growth consultancy. Finally, she was an accomplished author, writing three books.

Vivien Richards is survived by her children: Steven Cordova (son from her first marriage), Joseph P. Day, Jr. (son from her second marriage), and Virginia Ekelund (daughter from her second marriage). She also leaves behind a loving legacy for her three grandsons Orion, Draco, and Khiron (from Joseph P. Day Jr.), a granddaughter Alyssa (from Virginia Ekelund), and one great-granddaughter Aurora (from Orion Day). In addition to her human family, Vivien leaves behind her beloved Siamese cat, Devi.

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