Rhyl mum who suffered ‘devastating’ death was ‘just perfect’

Vivien Deeney died aged 53 on October 28 at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan with her loved ones beside her, having been diagnosed with the illness in the summer.

She is survived by her mother, Elizabeth; her husband, Jimmy; her daughter, Darnelle; and her brothers, Tommy and Keith.

A member of the catering staff at Glan Clwyd for 13 years, Vivien previously also worked in a cake shop, and in a café in Oldham, having grown up in Manchester.

Vivien met Jimmy in September 1995, when he sold her her first car; they later lived in Trearddur Bay together, before moving to Rhyl in the early 2000s.

Jimmy and Vivien Deeney (Image: Family handout)

Jimmy, who married Vivien in February 2005, celebrated the life of his “perfect” late wife.

He said: “She was absolutely mint. We had silly little arguments, but we never properly rowed.

“In September 1995, I sold Viv her first car, a Vauxhall Astra; that was how we met. We went for a drive in it, and I offered it to her for a cheaper price because she was a friend of a friend.

“We used to eat out together most nights, and would go on holiday to Las Vegas, a place that she loved. This time last year, we’d just come back from there.

Vivien Deeney in Las Vegas (Image: Family handout)

“She loved fairgrounds; she grew up on one, and even when she was at Glan Clwyd, she worked part-time at the fairs. She just loved it.

“Along with my daughter, she was my favourite person in the world. She was just perfect.

“It’s just devastating; it all happened so fast, in a matter of weeks. It doesn’t seem real. We were all there at the end with her, holding her hand.”

Vivien’s daughter, Darnelle, also paid tribute to her “best friend”.

Her funeral will be held on November 17 at St Thomas' Church, Rhyl at 12pm, followed by committal at Denbighshire Memorial Park and Crematorium, St Asaph.

Vivien Deeney with her family (Image: Family handout)

Darnelle said: “My mum was an amazing lady and my best friend. I am so lucky to have so many happy special memories with her that I will always remember.

“We would always be smiling or having a singalong, no matter what we would be doing. She never hesitated to give me the best of everything, and always put me above everything.

“I hope she knows I appreciated everything. I miss her so much, but I hope to make her proud every day.”

Other relatives of Vivien’s also paid tribute to her - Melanie Todd said that “auntie Viv” was a “wonderful woman” who “always welcomed us with open arms”.

Anne Todd, Vivien’s sister-in-law, added: “The first time I met her, I could tell she was someone special. She loved my brother so much; Viv was his rock.”

Many of Vivien’s friends and former colleagues, at Glan Clwyd and elsewhere, also remembered her fondly.

Karl Berry, Glan Clwyd catering manager, said: “Vivien was an extremely popular member of staff, full of laughter, a great sense of humour and would always help anyone.

“Vivien could light up any room she walked into, and will be sadly missed by all friends and family.”

Richard Pegg added: “The workplace doesn't feel complete without her; we miss her bossy, peculiar, funny ways – ‘Our Viv’ will always be special to us.

“I miss her smile, her laugh, her one-word text replies, her witty remarks, us putting the world to rights together, and winding her up daily. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten.”

Scott Price said he felt “so privileged to work alongside Viv everyday,” while Herbie Davies described her as “an honest, kind, genuine, and supportive person, who was not afraid of hard work or bossing the boss”.

He added: "Vivien was a valued and trusted employee efficient and didn't watch the clock, often re-fuelling the van and shopping in her own time.

“She was always ready to promote the business and bring in new clients. We were very privileged to have known Vivien and call her a personal friend.”

Heather Williams called Vivien “a pleasure to work with,” as well as “an inspiration to us all, and a fighter to the end”.

Corrine Hughes added that she is “missing her bossy ways, and our little chats about the most random thing”.

Lindsay Hotty said: “The memories we made together will hold a special place in my heart. I will miss our conversations, our adventures and all of the good times we shared together.

Vivien Deeney with Lindsay Hotty (Image: Lindsay Hotty)

Abbey Town described Vivien as “a much-loved neighbour,” whose death has brought “a sadness to the street”.

Rachel Morris added: “Viv may not be here anymore, but she’s still in our hearts and memories, forever,” while Cora McKeown said she will “forever cherish the memories we made”.

Rob Giove said that Vivien was “larger than life”, and had a “heart of gold”.

“She loved her Jimmy, Nell and her cat, and all of the friends she accumulated along her journey,” he added.