Funeral services for Vivien R. Gillings, 88, of Chamberlain, SD will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain, SD with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain.  Visitation will begin Monday at 6:00 p.m. with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

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Vivien Gillings, 88, of Chamberlain, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025 at Sanford Medical Center in Chamberlain.

Born to Arthur and Carmen (Banks) Hodgin, on October 3, 1936, in Reliance, SD, Vivien lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devoted service to her family and community. After graduating from high school in 1954, she earned her teacher's certificate from Presentation College and began her career teaching in Lyman County, where she later met her beloved husband, Belvin. They married in 1958 and together built a warm, welcoming home. After living in Chamberlain for two years they moved to Academy where they farmed and made their home until Belvin's death in 2020.  Vivien then moved to Regency Retirement Assisted Living in Chamberlain in the spring of 2021.

Vivien's talents were many: she was an excellent gardener, canning the bounty of her harvest each year, a remarkable cook who hosted countless holiday meals, and a gifted artist whose beautifully crafted birdhouses reflected her creativity. Her humor and lightheartedness shone through in every situation, even in her final days, bringing smiles to visitors and hospital staff alike.

A devoted member of St. James Catholic Church, Vivien's faith was central to her life.

She is survived by her son Tim and daughter Joyce, her brother Theron Hodgin, and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Belvin, twin infant daughters Tina and Tiffany, infant son Andrew, and eight siblings.

Vivien's legacy of kindness, hospitality, and joy will live on in all whose lives she touched.