Vivian Reich Kavina (94) died Dec. 16, 2009, in Arvada, Colo., where she’s lived for the past seven years. She was born May 11, 1915, in Forest Park. Her father, Otto Reich, was a monument maker, Forest Park commissioner and city civil servant. Her mother was Augusta Noller Reich, homemaker, and well known in the community. Kavina attended Proviso East High School and was a graduate of Valparaiso University. She received her master’s degree in education from National College.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Veronica Reich Morton; and brother Vernon Reich, former mayor of Forest Park.
She is survived by her daughters, Joy Jones and Cheryl Sorenson; a grandson, Charles; and a granddaughter, Dana.
Kavina was a teacher for more than 50 years having taught in Berwyn, Cicero, Forest Park, Park Ridge, Inverness, Fla., and Sun City, Ariz. After leaving Forest Park in 1963, she lived in Park Ridge, Ill., where she raised her two daughters. She moved to Florida in the early ’80s where she taught at the same school as her sister, Veronica.
In 1987 Kavina moved to Arizona. In 2002, Kavina found her final residence in Arvada, Colo., living with her daughter Joy’s family until her death. A life-long supporter of animal rescue organizations, Vivian would want any charitable donations to be made on her behalf to D.E.L.T.A Rescue or Best Friends Animal Society.
