Obituary of Elvira C. Detweiler

Elvira C. Detweiler of Lehigh Acres, Fl. fondly remembered as Vivian or Vivi passed away peacefully in the home she shared with her long time loving companion David Sarow after her courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by David, some of her family and her two loving doggies when she passed. She was of Catholic faith and when she could no longer attend church, she had a church member come to their home to give Mass. Vivian lived a life full of adventures. She was fortunate enough to travel all over Italy on several occasions and even lived in the wild west of Wyoming for a time in a small cabin in the middle of nowhere. Her most precious life achievements were her three children and three grandchildren. She was born to Arthur and Dina L. Conte in Brooklyn, NY. Arthur and Dina soon relocated their growing brood of children to Palm, PA where they successfully operated one of the first tomato processing and canning businesses in the US. All the Conte children helped with the family business and Vivian was no exception. Eventually she met and married Harold (Hank) S. Detweiler and they had together three children. Hank and Vivian and their children moved to Pompano Beach Fl. in the early 70's. Most her immediate family had already relocated there. She was very close to her parents, brothers and sisters. Hank and Vivi's marriage was a long one but eventually they separated and divorced. Vivi was a hard worker and often worked two jobs. Her full time job was at Nationwide Lift Trucks, Inc., her brother (Arthur Conte) owns and operates. Her part-time job was at Mack's Groves in Pompano Beach. Her brother opened another branch located in Fort Myers, FL and chose David and Vivian to move and manage that location in 1986. Vivian worked almost until the very end of her illness. Besides her work her biggest fulfillment and joy was cooking wonderful Italian food, to clam bakes on the beach for family gatherings and trips to adventure parks with her grandchildren. It was no secret she enjoyed shopping, not for herself, but for others. She was very artistic and hooked many a rug over the years. She also enjoyed reading, writing, movies, NASCAR and attended The Gator Nationals races in Gainsville, FL for many years with David, son Steven, his wife Julia and her nephew Joe Conte and wife Linda. She was known to bring coolers full as a whole deli for tailgating there. The word "can't" was not in her vocabulary. Vivian will long be remembered for her love of family, a caring friend and her upbeat spirit. She will be truly missed by all. Vivian was preceded in death by her by her ex-husband Harold Detweiler, her beloved parents Arthur and Dina Conte, brother Robert Conte, brother Thomas Conte, sister Evelyn Anastasio and sister Dolores Koneski. She is survived by her faithful loving companion David W. Sarow, her loving doggies, Mickey and Minnie, brothers, Arthur Conte(Clara), Bob Conte, daughter, Dina (Jim) McMahon, sons, Steven (Julia) Detweiler, David (Tonee) Detweiler, grandsons, Gregory (Michelle) McMahon Andrew McMahon, granddaughter, Shelbee Detweiler, step grandsons, Jay and Bobby, brother-in-laws Salvatore Anastasio and Frank Koneski, many precious nephews and nieces and was a loving Great Aunt to many nephews and nieces. A life celebration and mass for our beloved Vivian, for family and close friends will be at her final resting place in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068 at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 27, 2013. Memorial contributions may be made to a Hospice of your choice in Elvira Detweiler's name. Remember it's not what you gather, but what you scatter in life...