Vivian was the daughter of the late George Lotz and Evelyn Manger Lotz.

Born in Patterson, New Jersey, she graduated from Wayne High School. Vivian earned a B.A. in psychology at Douglas College of Rutgers University, two Masters' degrees and a Ph.D from Temple University. Her areas of expertise were Special Education and Counseling.

In 1977, with the closing of Pennhurst Hospital, Vivian helped establish Philadelphia's first co-ed group home for special needs adults. She was especially proud of this accomplishment.

Vivian was a passionate gardener who spent countless hours tending to her vegetables and flowers.

Viv leaves unimaginable deep recesses in the hearts of her life partner/wife of forty-nine years, Renee Bess, her brother Louis Lotz (Mary Jean), her niece Meredith Wallace (Nathaniel), her nephew Andrew Lotz, her sister-in-law, Stephanie Bess, her great-niece and great-nephew, Lorelei and Everett Wallace, and many former co-workers and dear friends.

Interment is private. A gathering of remembrance will be scheduled at a later date.

"to laugh often and much; to win with respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to known even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson