Vivian Porter Bednarz

Vivian Bednarz, age 78, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2026, leaving behind a family who deeply loved and cherished her.

Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Thomas Fitzgerald Porter III and Vivian DeBlanc Porter, and raised in Lafayette, Vivian carried with her a deep love for family, unimaginable strength, and a sense of adventure that defined her life. She graduated from Mt. Carmel High School and went on to attend the University of Southwestern Louisiana, where her love for expression and creativity shined. Through her work in speech and drama, she earned an invitation to compete at an international theater festival in Nancy, France—an experience that reflected both her talent and her courage to embrace life fully.

Vivian devoted 33 years to education, teaching special education and later serving in administration. She had a heart for children who needed someone to believe in them, advocate for them, and guide them. That same heart extended far beyond the classroom—she was someone people naturally turned to for comfort, wisdom, and reassurance. She didn’t just teach; she changed lives.

But if you asked Vivian what mattered most, she would never mention her accomplishments—she would talk only about her family.

She was the beloved wife of Phillip Bednarz and a devoted mother to Shannon (Michael) Stewart, Michael (Whittney) Bednarz, and Sean (Nicole) Bednarz. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Garrett (Daniela) Stewart, Taylor (Tristan) McLaughlin, Landon, Seth, and Warren Bednarz.

Lovingly known as “Gee” and “Gram,” she embraced her role as a mother and grandmother with deep devotion. She poured herself into her children and grandchildren as they grew—cheering them on, celebrating their milestones, offering guidance, and cherishing even the simplest moments together. They were, always, the center of her world.

Vivian had a gift for making people feel cared for in a way that stayed with them. She was the one who listened, who helped solve problems, who quietly carried the weight of others so they wouldn’t have to. She was the steady voice of reason, the comfort in hard moments, and the person everyone knew they could count on. She was, in every sense, the definition of a mother and grandmother.

Her greatest happiness came from time spent with those she loved. Holidays—especially Christmas—were her specialty. She didn’t just decorate a home; she created a feeling—a warmth, a place where memories were made and traditions were carried on. She thoughtfully curated moments for her family to create lasting memories. Whether it was a meticulously planned family vacation, digging for fossils and gemstones, or simply being together, she made ordinary moments feel special.

She is also survived by her siblings: Susan (Alexander) Burleigh, Nancy (Rich) Richard, Henry (Tom) May, Tom (Paula) Porter, and Mary Porter, who shared in a lifetime of memories and love.

Vivian’s life was not defined by titles, but by the way she loved—deeply, selflessly, and without condition. Her presence was a gift, and her absence will be felt in the quiet moments, the holidays, and in all the places she once filled with her warmth.

Though she is no longer with us, everything she gave—her love, her strength, and her guidance—lives on in her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and in every life she touched.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Vivian's favorite charities; St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, Feed the Children in Oklahoma City, OK, and Star of Hope in Houston, TX.