Vivian Upton

Vivian Elizabeth McKenzie Upton of Severn passed away on January 14, 2018, at the age of 92.

Mrs. Upton was the daughter of the late Leo G. McKenzie and Mary Sherer McKenzie. She was born in Baltimore City on March 19, 1925, and she grew up in Westport. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Upton was predeceased by her husband, Ridgely Vernon Upton, and by her daughter, Dr. Barbara Jean Upton. She is survived by her daughter, Leona Upton Illig and son-in-law David Illig of Gambrills; by her son-in-law Dr. Scott Witte of Lafayette, New Jersey, and by two grandchildren, Nicole Elizabeth Witte and Rory Scott Witte. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Upton was employed as a PBX switchboard operator in and around Baltimore. She was also a housewife, and, with her husband, she was a farmer in Severn for many years.

As a young woman Vivian enjoyed dancing the polka. She also enjoyed vacationing with her daughters, especially in Colonial Williamsburg. She loved going out to restaurants. At home she was a big fan of crab cakes, hard crabs, and her own delicious oyster stew. She enjoyed watching the soap operas on TV. And she loved decorating her house for the holidays and always had a beautiful Christmas tree.

In addition to her human family, Mrs. Upton cared for numerous foxhounds, beagles, and other dogs over the years.

Mrs. Upton was a faithful member of the Glen Burnie United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, and when she was unable to attend she would listen to the church service on the radio.

The funeral service was private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice of the Chesapeake, the Fuel Fund of Maryland, or the Glen Burnie United Methodist Church.