Vivian Ann Kalber, 80, of Arlington, MA died on her birthday, June 9. She was born in Hartford, CT in 1945 to Conrad Kalber and Anne Ulisse Kalber and grew up in Ellington, CT.
Vivian attended Alfred University in New York where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She moved to the Boston area after college and learned COBOL programming in the early 80’s, which led to a career as a programmer, analyst, and consultant. Upon retirement, Vivian attended the professional chef program at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and worked briefly part-time as a cook. She spent her free time birdwatching from her home overlooking Spy Pond, volunteering (most recently at the Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington), reading and writing, and spending time with her parrot, Heathcliff.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Anne, and her sister Cynthia Kalber Nordstrom. She is survived by her nephews and niece Keith Nordstrom, Eric Nordstrom, Mark Nordstrom, and Leana Nordstrom, her great-nephews and nieces Carter, Cecilia, Finn, Charlie, Adelyn, and Liara.
Vivian loved animals (especially green Amazon parrots!). Donations in her name to any charity that supports animals’ well-being would be greatly appreciated. Two of the many organizations she supported were Foster Parrots and the World Wildlife Fund.
An informal graveside memorial service is being planned at Mt. Auburn Cemetery where she will be interred. If you would like to attend, please fill out this form so that her family can inform you once the date/time of the memorial is determined.