Vivienne Daneker

Vivienne “Viv” Brooking Daneker, 83 passed away Wednesday May 29th, 2019. Vivienne was born January 7th 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, the oldest daughter of Violet and sea captain David Robertson. Her experiences, growing up in wartime Britain, shaped her values and character. She was deeply devoted to family and community. She worked for the British Rail and the United States Embassy and upon her marriage to Gordon Brooking, Viv worked at the George Hotel in Edinburgh Scotland. Time spent sailing the west coast of Scotland with Gordon set a course for a life of travel for Vivienne. After the birth of their first son Simon in Scotland, they moved to Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire England where second son Mark was born. In 1967, Viv and the family emigrated to North America settling in Montreal, Canada. After 3 years of frigid Canadian winters, she was on the move again, this time to Binghamton NY where Viv and the family enjoyed the typical American community life - bbqs, canoeing on the river, camping. After her sons’ departure to college, our beloved “gypsy” ventured to the warmer climes of Lexington Kentucky to enjoy the good life that the Bluegrass country had to offer. With her new partner, John, the journey across the American south continued taking them to Oklahoma, Florida and eventually returning in 1997 to a life of retirement at Griffin Gate in Lexington, Kentucky. Throughout her life, from Scotland to England to Canada to the US, Viv celebrated community, whether it was supporting the boys sports leagues, extramural activities including choir and jazz band, neighborhood gatherings and in more recent years, the Lexington Suburban Women’s Club, the Book Club and her beloved Chat and Chew. From the Highlands of Scotland to the rolling hills of the Bluegrass, Vivienne lived a life of dignity and amazing grace. She may be gone but Viv will never be forgotten. Vivienne is survived by her sons: Simon Brooking (Sheila McDevitt) Brooklyn NY. Mark Brooking (Jana LaZur) Lexington KY. Stepsons John Daneker (Miriam) Homestead, FL, Roger Daneker (Sabine) Germany, Paul Daneker (Suzie) Liberty Lake WA. Stepdaughters: Laura Baxley (Danny) Elba AL, Anne Marie Daneker Georgetown KY. Siblings: Irene Reid (Ed Wolf) and family, Canada, Douglas Robertson (Gwen) and family, Janice Robertson and family, Scotland. Grandchildren: Fallon Brooking (Los Angeles CA), Ian Brooking (Conway SC). Step grandchildren: Nichole, Adonis and Jordan Daneker; Mirco and Dominic Daneker; Michael, Joshua, Chelsea and Wyatt Daneker; Aaron Baxley and Stephanie Henderson. Cousins: Deidre Storrar New Braunfels TX, Karen and Gary Grierson, Canada. Vivienne Wilson and Jane Britton, Canada. Vivienne was preceded in death by John Daneker and Gordon Brooking and grand stepchild John Howard. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 8th, 2019 at the Griffin Gate Community Clubhouse, 1470 Sugar Maple Lane Lexington, Kentucky 40511. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation or Greenhouse 17, an advocacy agency supporting abused partners and families.