Vivian Hangaris

May 3, 1931 - May 31, 2023

Vivian Hangaris passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023, after having lived a full and active life. She is survived by her nephew, Tom Maneatis (Bev), grandniece, Elaine (Josh), grandnephew, James, Elaine and Josh’s children, Hadley, Aubrey, Quincey, Calvin, and Ellery, stepdaughters, Ronda Hill and Zenda Brenner, and many cousins, including Sam Cambouris (Lenore) and Connie Calogeris. She is also survived by her Godchildren, Joanie Jones (Brian), Caroline Maneatis, and George West (Sandra). She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Helen Hangaris, her brother, Gus Hangaris, her sister, Mary Maneatis Shurtz, Ernie Reno, Richard Moscrop, and her brothersin-law, James Maneatis and Jack Shurtz. Vivian was born on May 3, 1931 in Oakland, California. Her parents were immigrants from Greece, and she grew up in a warm and loving home with her two older siblings. From a young age, she helped out in the family business, Athens Bakery, and learned the importance of hard work. She graduated from San Francisco State University and became an elementary school teacher. In 1962, her brother died suddenly, and she left teaching to manage the family business with her sister. In 1986, they sold Athens Bakery and retired. Vivian then had more time to do the things she enjoyed. However, she lost her home five years later in the Oakland Hills firestorm and subsequently moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where she lived for over twentyfive years. She led an active life there playing golf, tennis, and bridge with her many friends and enjoying the local restaurants. She would come to the Bay Area during the summers to avoid the heat in Arizona. With her advancing age, she left Scottsdale permanently in 2019 and lived in Walnut Creek year round. Vivian had no children but had a close and special relationship with her nephew, Tom. She did not have any other nephews or nieces, and she would tell Tom as a little boy that he was her “favorite nephew” until he figured out he was her “only nephew”. Her family was always very important to her, and she was part of innumerable gatherings and dinners with her loved ones through the years. She was a great cook and would prepare lavish meals for her family and friends. She was proud to introduce others to Greek foods and traditions. Her Greek Orthodox faith was also very important to her. She loved to travel and went around the world twice in addition to other trips to Europe, Africa, and South America. She also traveled to Hawaii and Mexico many times. Vivian was a beautiful and stylish lady with a strong and adventuresome personality, and people liked being around her. She was also warm and kind, and she wanted to help others. Over the past two years, she needed to restrict her activities due to health issues. This was difficult for her since she had previously been so independent. She was blessed to have excellent caregivers during this time who treated her with much compassion. Vivian will be missed very much! Interment is private. A memorial celebration of her life will be held in the future. Donations in her memory may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland, California 94602 or to the charity of your choice. For further information call Harry Greer, Funeral Director (FDR745). Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services, 510-522-6020.