Vivianne Chaumont Obituary (1953 - 2014)

Vivianne Marta Chaumont died on April 10, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Vivianne was born on July 29, 1953 in Havana, Cuba to Carlos and Myriam Chaumont. To ensure freedom, education, and happiness that were no longer secure in Cuba, her parents placed 8-year-old Vivianne and her 9-year-old sister Myriam on a plane to the United States without them. Vivianne's family was eventually reunited, and settled in Sacramento, California. Vivianne lived in Sacramento with her mother Myriam, her older sister Myriam, her younger sister Lilianne, and her baby brother Carlos. An exceptionally bright and intellectually curious young lady, Vivianne quickly mastered the English language. Vivianne graduated from Bishop Manogue High School in 1971. She was elected and served as student body president, and was awarded a National Merit Scholarship her senior year. Vivianne attended the University of California at Davis, and graduated with a degree in Psychology. She received her law degree from UC Davis School of Law in 1978 and was admitted to the California State Bar that same year. Vivianne's career highlighted her passion for civil service and helping people. She served as an Assistant Attorney General for California before moving to Colorado to serve as an Assistant Attorney General from 1985 to 2001. In the Colorado Attorney General's office, she served as chief counsel for the Colorado Medicaid Program. Vivianne represented Colorado at all levels of state and federal courts, appearing frequently before the Colorado Supreme Court and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. From 2001 to 2005, she served as the Director of the Colorado Medicaid Assistance Office. In May 2007, she moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where she was appointed by Governor Dave Heinemann as the Nebraska Director of Medicaid and Long Term Care. During her tenure in Nebraska, Vivianne was "a dedicated public servant, one who cared deeply about the program she oversaw and the people who receive these services" said Kerry Winterer, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Vivianne had a passion for books that lasted her entire life, with Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck being among her favorite authors. She loved the beach, the San Francisco 49ers, baseball, college hoops, and HGTV. And she was a cat-lover all her life. Vivianne will be remembered for her courage, overcoming all odds to achieve the American dream. With strength and resilience, she fought cancer with determination and a smile. Vivianne will be remembered as a true professional, who met challenges head on with deep intellect, honesty, an open-mind, fairness, compassion, and always a backbone. Vivianne will be remembered as a mentor, who took endless time to share her experiences with those around her, and help them learn, grow, and succeed. Vivianne will be remembered as a friend and sister, always there to listen, encourage and celebrate, and to give caring, direct advice with humor, a smile, and a hug. Vivianne will be remembered as an amazing, dedicated mother who loved her children unconditionally. She taught them to embrace each day, love others, and be happy. Vivianne is survived by her three children, Jonathan, Colin, and Katherine, sister Lilianne, and brother Carlos. Any donations can be given to HoriSun Hospice Center. All donations will be used by HoriSun to designate a fund to assist out-of-state family with travel expenses to visit family member hospice patients. Please mail donations directly to HoriSun Hospice, Vivianne's Family Travel Fund, 3883 Normal Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68506, (402) 484-6444.