Vivian passed away in her home, with her daughter, Jessi, at her side. She had many health issues over the years, but fought hard until the end. The doctors gave her six months, and being the fighter she was, she went home and lived four more years.

Vivian was born in the Seattle area to Raymond and Dora Aldrich. Growing up in the Depression made for a hard childhood following the death of her father — however, she still held her head up and continued on. After the family had moved to California when she was a teenager, she met, and instantly fell in love with Grant Taggart. He was to become the love of her life, and her best friend. Grant and Vivian had three children together after marrying. Then, after buying their first house in Orick where they originally met, they decided to sell their home and moved to McKinleyville in 1954. She was very proud to have been able to stay in her own home, for over 60 years, until her passing.

After Grant stopped logging in the 70s due to a stroke, they bought and ran Chuck Wagon Lunch Service. Every day they worked side by side to prepare the trucks before the sun rose — she managing the books and he managing the maintenance of the vehicles and buildings. A truer partnership could not be had. She told the story many times in her last days of how Grant purchased the business for her and made sure she had what she needed to be successful. She loved her job until the day they retired. You could always count on her to bring the workers a smile and cup of hot coffee, rain or shine.

She was an avid gardener, with lovely roses and assorted flowers; an avid bowler; a voracious reader; a dancer; a swimmer; always a walker, and always active and busy. One of the many, many books she read and loved was The Hotel on The Corner Of Bitter And Sweet, as it is about Seattle back in the days when she was there as a young person. She also loved watching The Lawrence Welk Show, even after her sight left her in the last years, as it always took her back to her memories of youth and Grant and happiness. She rarely missed this show!

Vivian and Grant had a summer spot at Chezems camp ground, near Willow Creek, where they escaped on weekends. They always had a big fire, plenty of steaks grilled up by Chef Grant, a good card game going at the picnic table, and a cold drink waiting. All the family loved going out to Chezems! It was a sad day when they sold.

She loved to rock and sing to babies and her great-grandchildren are forever lucky to have been able to know her. As they grew, and her body failed her, she still enjoyed going to their sports events and loved to hear her daughter, Jess, cheer for them from the stands. Even though she could no longer see the game, she liked to listen and follow along. She was a well rounded athlete in her youth, earning a letterman jacket in high school. Something she talked about often was her family not being able to afford to pay for that hard-earned jacket and the disappointment never left her. It fueled her incredible work ethic and drove her to be such a successful adult.

She frequently asked to go visit her great-granddaughter, however, her health and body betrayed her and made travel impossible. She loved it when they came down to spend a few days, as the house was always full of laughter!

Vivian had wonderful care from Hospice of Humboldt. Hospice was such a support for Vivian and her daughter Jessica, who had become her full time caregiver for the last year and a half of her life. The hospice nurse and counselor were more like friends, and always made Vivian smile. They were such a blessing towards the end, when things got so bad.

Vivian leaves behind four children — Ron, Susan, Jessica and Terry — as well as many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, a sister, a brother, and many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her beloved husband Grant Taggart, son Steven Taggart, four brothers and a sister and, of course, her parents.

A special thank you to all the dear friends who stopped by every week, bringing food and well wishes in her final days. Your love and support meant so much to her. 

As per her wishes there will be no services. 

Donations can be made in Vivian’s name to Hospice Of Humboldt.

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The obituary above was submitted by Vivian Taggart’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.