Vivan Dupree

VIVIAN G. DUPREE, “Viv” was born to Robert and Pearl Gamble on September 23rd 1932 in Savannah, Georgia where she grew up. Predeceased by her father Robert, mother Pearl, sister Louise, brothers Robert and Joseph, and granddaughter Donna. Survived by sons Curtis Jr. and Jeff, daughter in-laws Annie and Holly, grandchildren Jomarie, Maria Catherine and Leo.

This valedictorian of her high school class received a degree in mathematics, a BS from St. Peter’s University and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She worked in the Pentagon, marched in a presidential parade and lived all over the US.

Viv laid down roots in Jersey City, as a single mom in the early seventies, where she raised her two boys and a granddaughter. She worked her way up the ladder at the United Way of Hudson County to VP/ Comptroller. She was well-respected as a critical business partner to many leaders within Hudson County and the State of New Jersey. Her upstanding moral character and judgment made her advice and input sought after on a regular basis.

She was the matriarch of the family. And the family could not ask for a better role model; intelligent, generous, hard-working, loyal, and fierce when she had to be. Just a beautiful person inside and out! Anywhere mom went, whether it be an acquaintance, a friend or someone we met for the first time, they all said our mom was a wonderful person. With a smile that could light up any room, we are so proud and blessed to have had her in our lives. She was constantly teaching us life lessons, verbally or leading by example. Curtis and Jeff always said that they didn’t know where they would be without mom.

She had the biggest heart, always asking if we needed anything, always willing to help no matter how old we were – and not just the immediate family – our extended family as well. Viv liked to be home with her furry roommate Mango. When dining out she enjoyed a trip to Longhorn Steakhouse or Red Lobster. She also liked the Godfather movie series, Two and a Half Men, Law and Order, Judge Judy, Jeopardy, and Family Feud.

The world was a much better place because Viv was here. There will never be another one of her. We will forever miss her!