Sally Vyvyan

"Grandma Sally" Ann (Riske) Vyvyan passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the age of 85 at her home in Westby, Wisconsin. She was born on August 1, 1937, to Delwin and Dora (Perri) Riske in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Sally moved to California with her mother to be raised by her grandmother upon her mother's passing. She returned to Kenosha, where she married Peter Maejeck and raised her children in the area, working numerous jobs. Later, she married Tim Vyvyan and moved to Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin. Sally spent time in Georgia as a nanny and Florida working with preschool kids.

She was passionate about reading and learning, working with children, gardening, needlework including knitting, embroidery and sewing, genealogy, her Italian heritage, and finding new recipes to cook and bake. She enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Nascar Racing.

Grandma Sally cherished her time as a Foster Grandparent at Westby Elementary School. However, her time there ended before she was ready. Midway through her 22nd year in the Foster Grandparent Program, her passing left an empty chair in several reading groups and so many more books unshared. Her two decades and two years of volunteerism formed skills and memories within hundreds of young people. Her experiences were broad, but at WES she focused the wisdom she’d gained on the wonderful miracle of teaching children to read and love literature. Through those years, Grandma accumulated more than 25,000 hours of service for the Westby Area School District, which she initiated in her 60’s at an age when others contemplate retirement. That was Grandma - an unexpected gift. She first worked through the La Crosse chapter of FGP, and when that disbanded, sought out the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program to continue her mission of literacy.

Grandma could be counted on to research topics for a school project, decorate a display cabinet with her collectibles, choose the perfect book for a read aloud, wrangle four-year-olds into a line, or liven up an audience with her vigor and life story. And she did all of those things while always fashionably dressed. She was a trusted adult for children, an advocate for growing and learning, and a friendly lunch buddy for someone that needed just that person. For her relentless dedication to children, education, and life, Grandma earned several honors. Three that were special to her included Appleby’s Lifetime Service Award for her unwavering support of Westby Elementary, the WXOW Jefferson Service Award for being an unsung hero within her neighborhood, and the Governor’s Service Award, presented in Madison, for her significant contributions to the social needs of her community.

Rest in peace Grandma. We believe you are already organizing a book club with the angels. You inspired, loved, and coached so many children. Your contributions are irreplaceable.

Sally is survived by her children: Peter, Betty (Mike) DeCoursey, and Vicki (Al) Gilbertson; three "stepsons": Jeff, Jon, and Peter (Karen); four grandchildren: Ian (Robin), Ben (Mindy), Chris, and Leah; four great-grandchildren: John, Alex, Addyson, and Max; three nieces: Christianne, Julianne, and Angela; and other relatives and friends, including the students and staff at Westby Elementary School and special friend, Kim Garrow from Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Terry Jo Magestro; and her sister, Sharon Anne Norman.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on February 19, 2023, at Westby Elementary School from 2 to 4 pm. The family of Grandma Sally would like to encourage everyone to wear Green Bay Packer attire if you are able. Sally's ashes will be buried with her mother in California.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Westby Elementary School.

Sally's family would like to thank Westby Elementary School students and staff for the love and care shown to "Grandma Sally" for many years; Scott from the Westby Police Department; and Vosseteig Funeral Home for the gentle care given to our Mom.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Sally's family.

708 S. Main Street

Westby, WI 54667

(608) 634-2100