Periodically, we will feature a person within the church to give the members a more in depth look at some of the phenomenal people that attend this church.
Meet Mona Viviaon
By, Maureen Derenzy
If you spend any amount of time at the First Congregational Church UCC of Gaylord, you’ll soon notice a strong, quiet woman helping out in a myriad of ways to keep things running smoothly. Mona Viviano has been a part of the congregation for more than 60 years. Throughout the years she has served in most official positions, represented First Congregational at meetings around the state, and has always jumped in wherever needed for church services and events.
Ramona Evans was born an Indiana Hoosier, the first of seven children, to a fa-ther who made his living as a painter and a homemaker mother. For many years she lived on a farm that her father inherited, but in her teens moved to Gaylord and graduated from Gaylord High School in 1957.
From an early age Mona knew she wanted to be a hairdresser. She had two uncles who were barbers and was promised that they would help set her up in the business. The move to Michigan disrupted this plan, but Mona did not let her dream die. She attended Hillsdale Beauty College and spent 57 years working in her chosen career in Gaylord salons.
At the age of 42, Mona married Vincent Viviano and joined his family of 3 boys and 2 girls. The Viviano family has since added 32 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mona and Vince were married for 28 years before he passed away 14 years ago. At the age of 84, Mona remains active by volunteering at the community food pantry, maintaining the church sharing closet, and playing golf.
Mona’s early religious instruction began at a Baptist church in Indiana, but in her teen years the Baptist church no longer seemed a good fit. Several of her young class-mates in Gaylord talked about their experiences at Gaylord’s First Congregational, so she decided to give it a try. She joined the church in the early 1960s and has been a member ever since. Mona is currently involved in Women’s Fellowship, takes part in the Reaching In/Reaching Out mission, attends state meetings, and volunteers to help in almost every aspect of church life.
When asked what it was about First Congregational Church that has kept her at-tending all these years, Mona says her faith plays a large part in it. She has practically grown up in this church and currently enjoys the friendliness and feeling of being part of a church family. In her quiet way, she serves as an inspiration to others, living out her favorite bible passage: But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:6-7 New International Version)