Memorial Visitation for Vivian Melena, age 92, of O'Neill will be from 5-7 pm Friday, September 17, 2021 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Private Family Services will be held at a later date. Vivian passed away Tuesday evening, September 14, 2021 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary of O'Neill.

Vivian Marie Nelson was born to Edward and Isabel (Brumwell) Nelson of Clyde, ND on October 4, 1928. She attended college in Fargo, ND and in the summers, she would perform with The Evans Repertory Company. In 1950, she married Woodrow Melena of O'Neill, NE. To this union, two sons were born: James Thomas Melena and David Charles Melena.

Vivian taught dance with the first recital being in 1954. She continued the reviews for 41 years. In 1967, the dancers formed the O'Neill Irish Dancers. They performed at the Inaugural Balls for Nebraska Governors Exon, Orr and Nelson. The dancers were also selected to represent Nebraska during the National Bicentennial in Washington DC and at the Kennedy Center and Metropolitan Art Festival.

Vivian was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, The Bible Study Group, The Irish Walk of Fame, The American Legion Auxiliary Post 92, The P.E.O. Chapter, Red Hats, visually impaired support group, and the former Wednesday Bridge Club.

Vivian is survived by her two sons, James T. (Lynn) Melena of Volcano Village, HI and David Melena of Denver, CO; two grandsons, Michael (Carol) Melena of Littleton, CO, their children Lillian Kamali'i Melena and Matthew Keali'i Melena, and James A. (Ryann) Melena of Loveland, CO, their children Vivian Makoa Melena and Imogen Alika Melena; sisters, Beverly Williams of Boca Raton, FL and Sonjie Johnson of St. Paul, MN; sister in law, Doris Nelson of Crabtree, OR; two nieces; six nephews; and many wonderful Irish Dancers.

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Melena; her parents; brother, Edward Nelson; nephew, Mark Johnson; and brother-in-law, Art Williams.