Vivian Berman Lewis of Branford and Woodbridge CT died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on October 20, 2013 after a life well-lived. Vivian was the eldest child of Carl and Pearl Berman and was born in New Haven on February 18, 1918 - two years before women gained the right to vote. She attended local schools in New Haven and graduated from Wellesley College in 1937. All her life, she had an avid interest in early childhood education. She was an advocate for a strong and progressive public education system and for effective early education. Following her Wellesley graduation she taught at Walker Day School, in Cambridge MA and at Hecht House in Boston where she worked with emotionally disturbed immigrant children many of whom had suffered severe trauma during WWII. While her children were young, Vivian continued to serve and lead various education committees and organizations. In the late 1950s, however, she decided to return to professional life beginning with graduate school where she received a Masters degree in psychology from Southern Connecticut State College. She then became a child psychologist working in this capacity for the Naugatuck, CT School System for more than 25 years. In 1938 Vivian married Dr. Herbert Lewis, her childhood sweetheart who survives her and with whom she was able to celebrate recently their 75th wedding anniversary. She is also survived by her four children: Karen Lewis (and Lynn Bonfield) of San Francisco and Peacham VT;, Steven Lewis (and Pamela Burke) of Middletown, NJ; Mark Lewis of Redwood City CA; Sara Lewis (Dr. Thomas Michel) of Lincoln, MA), and four loving grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Sydell Friedman of Lacey WA and Marcia Untermeyer-Baum of Evanston IL. She is predeceased by a brother, Stephen (Ellen) Berman. Vivian was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, mentor and friend to the many to whom she was known as Vivi.

Funeral service at Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Rd., Hamden, CT. Tuesday afternoon at 1. Interment and period of mourning will be private. Memorial contributions in Vivian's memory may be made to Wellesley College or to a charity of one's choice. A family meeting of remembrance is planned for next spring.