Vivian Ouellette Nolen

Vivian passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 6th, 2026, at the age of 76. She was full of love for her family and lived her life with joy, humor, and kindness.

Vivian was born in 1949 in Little Rock, AR, to Roland Ouellette and Mary Dell Porter. She was preceded in death by her parents; her aunts and uncles, Vivian (Milton), Patsy (Don), Eleanor (Glen); and several cousins.

Vivian is survived by her husband of 54 years, Greg; sons Paul (Anne), Mark (Christie), Jeffrey (Rebecca), Andrew (Lily); sister Rosann Bennett (Jim); brother Dennis Ouellette (Rebecca); grandchildren Grayson, Nathan, and Everly; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Vivian parented with love, patience, laughter, and discipline. Her and Greg’s boys became independent, loving, happy men with their guidance. Her love always surrounded her husband, Greg, just as her spirit, grace, and joy surrounded everyone who knew her. Even in her final days she worried about him and gently guided him toward how to live without her and still find happiness.

Vivian saw beauty in nature everywhere she looked, from the tiniest flower to the colors of a morning sunrise. She was surprised and delighted each day by God’s gifts. She had a love for sewing, quilting, cross-stitch, and gardening, which she shared with her family. She was a devoted and dedicated 3rd and 4th grade teacher for 26 years. She kept in touch with former students, many of whom attributed their careers to Vivian’s love of teaching and her gentle, patient encouragement.

Vivian’s cancer and daily arthritis pain could not dampen her enthusiasm for life. She had an unstoppable faith, courage and strength. Her hands were always busy, even during treatments, sharing her love through beautiful embroidery and quilting.

Vivian had many friends at CARTI where she was treated for cancer over 12 years. She chatted, laughed and crafted while receiving her chemotherapy. Vivian’s nurses were all special to her: Shelia, Lisa, Ashlynn, Kathy, Kim and many more. Greg would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Diane Wilder, her oncologist for 23 years.

A visitation/rosary will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, May 12, at Smith Family Funeral Home on Main Street in North Little Rock. Her funeral will be held from 1:30p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. The graveside service will follow immediately afterwards at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Blood Cancer United bloodcancerunited.org, or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes breakthrought1d.org.