Middle Grove, NY- Vivian (Christophel) Wills, 79, of Middle Grove, New York, passed peacefully on September 8, 2023, at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs, NY. Vivian was the beloved wife of 60 years to her high school sweetheart, David Wills. She was the treasured mother of Eric Wills of Treasure Beach, Jamaica, Barbara Wills-Czolowski of West Coxsackie, New York, and Jennifer Hall of Galway, New York. Mother-in-law to Adam Czolowski, and Matthew Hall, who adored her, as well as doting Nana to Eliza, Ezra, Estelle, Scarlett, and Shemika. Vivian is also survived by her, sister Elaine Cantwell (Bob), who cared for Vivian in recent years, as well as sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Vivian was a homesteader before the term gained popularity. She and her husband raised their family, mostly in LaFargeville, NY, where she spent countless hours canning and freezing food from the family's massive garden to save for the winter, taking care of her chickens, and other farm animals, sewing her children's and then grandchildren's clothes, and serving delicious meals and desserts to her family and friends.

Vivian loved the St. Lawrence River, where she grew up, and she also loved the Adirondacks, where she and her husband brought their family camping every summer when the children were growing up. Their youngest, Jennifer, spent her first birthday camping in the ADKs, complete with a scratch cake, brought from home. Vivian also hiked many of the high peak mountains each year for a week at a time, out in the wilderness with her very close friend, and fellow homesteader, Daryl.

In the years after the kids were raised, Vivian enjoyed traveling with her husband, especially international travel. During retirement, Vivian and David spent winters in Salt Springs, Florida, where she was a cherished friend to everyone in her community.

The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Saratoga County, NY, or Hospice of Jefferson County, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at St. Clement's Catholic Church in Saratoga.

A memorial mass will take place, Saturday May 18, 2024 at 11am at St. Mary's Catholic Church 521 James St, Clayton, NY 13624.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com