SARATOGA SPRINGS — Vivian (Elsie) Jones, former resident of New York, NY, passed away peacefully at Wesley Health Care Center on July 2, 2015, after a brief stay. Born to Worth Harvey Jones and Marie (Smith) Jones in Brooklyn, NY on December 26, 1928, Vivian was a resident of Harlem for the past 45 years until moving to Saratoga Springs in June of this year.
In 1970, Vivian joined the Congressional Staff of Charles B Rangel in the 18th District of New York as Executive Secretary and became District Administrator in 1975. She semi-retired in 1999 at age 71 and fully retired in 2014 at age 86.
Vivian was the backbone of the Jones family. She was quiet and shy, yet her voice was always heard. She was firm yet loving and caring. Vivian always conducted herself as a lady and had an aura of pride and dignity. Vivian loved to travel, especially on Jazz cruises with her endeared friends. She had an incredible love for the performing arts and attended operas, plays, concerts and Jazz Fests.
Vivian is predeceased by her son, Russel S. Vanager. She is survived by her brother, Neil H. Jones of Jamaica, NY, her niece Joyce Rodriguez of Saratoga Springs, her grandson, Christopher Vanager and his family of Brooklyn, NY, several other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Vivian’s name to: Dance Theatre of Harlem, 466 W 152nd St, New York, NY 10031 OR The Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 OR Boys Town of Harlem, 444 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016 OR Susan B Komen Cancer Organization, P.O. Box 27963 GPO, New York, NY 10087-27963.
