Vivian Barrett Coffman

Vivian Barrett Coffman, 66, of Pendleton, Indiana, passed away on January 2, 2021, following a courageous 27-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout her journey, Vivian always chose to focus on the blessings of having significantly more time than expected after her diagnosis. She was an inspiration to many as she embraced each day with joy, hope and faith, investing that time in her beloved family and special friends, including multiple special travel experiences. She and the family are deeply grateful for the hundreds of people who supported them with love and prayers from the time of her diagnosis. Vivian was born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1954, the fourth of seven children. She came to Indiana in 1972 to pursue a B.A degree in Sociology and Family Science at Anderson University, which she received in 1976. In 1978, she married Robert (Bob) Coffman and the couple settled in the Anderson area, raising their two daughters, Erin Coffman, now of Indianapolis, and Diana Frank, now of Pendleton, Indiana. Vivian retired from her position at Anderson University as Associate Director of the Center for Public Service at the end of 2015. She previously had served as the Assistant Chief of Juvenile Probation for Madison County, Indiana, in addition to positions with Job Source and the Center for Mental Health, locally, and the Camden County Welfare Department in New Jersey. She was especially known for her love of and loyalty to friends and family, warmth, quiet faith and gifts of cooking and hospitality. Among her great joys was hosting friends and family for dinners, parties and special celebrations. She had a deep love for the spirit and meaning of the Christmas season, taking advantage of the season to make literally thousands of cookies and other baked goods to share with family and friends in her home and to give to many others. She is survived by Bob, Erin, Diana and her husband Chad Frank, the parents of Vivian’s beloved grandchildren Colton, 13, Hudson, 11, and Arden, 6, beloved sister-in-law Diana Coffman Hatchel, sisters Kathy Weisenburg, Roberta Ann Weisenburg, Patti Griffith, and brother Fred Barrett, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and special friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Anderson Weisenburg, step-father Robert Weisenburg, father Fred Barrett, sisters Pamela Weisenburg and Janice Stankiewicz. Vivian’s pastor and dear family friend, Rolland Daniels of Catalyst Church in Pendleton, will officiate a private memorial service due to Covid crowd limit restrictions. The family plans to have a celebration of Vivian’s life at a point in the future when safety and Covid regulations make it possible to have an open gathering. In lieu of flowers, Vivian and the family suggest donations to Anderson University or a charity of the donor’s choice.