Vivian Kagan

Service : Tuesday, July 28th at 10:00 am
Service Location: Graveside Service
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Shiva Information

Steven Kagan Residence
1970 Windridge Drive
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

Tuesday following the service
Wednesday 4 PM – 8 PM

Vivian Roberta Kagan passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, at the age of 93, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Vivian was born on May 18, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Victor and Tillie West. She graduated from Senn High School in 1951. At 18 years of age, she met the love of her life, Marvin Kagan. It was love at first sight, and they were married the following year, beginning a beautiful life together.

Vivian and Marvin shared a love that spanned a lifetime. Their marriage was built on devotion, partnership, and unconditional love. Vivian lovingly cared for Marvin until his final days, a reflection of the enduring love they shared.

Together, Vivian and Marvin raised five children, Michael, Robert, Steven, David, and Lisa. They built a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories, first in Lincolnwood, then Highland Park, before moving to Peoria, Illinois, where Vivian formed lifelong friendships and cherished boating excursions on the Illinois River. They later settled in Granger, Indiana.

Above all, Vivian treasured being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and nothing brought her greater joy than having everyone together.

Vivian loved opening her home to family and friends and bringing people together. Holidays were her specialty, with beautifully decorated tables and meals that became cherished family traditions. To be loved by Vivian was to know you always had a place at her table and a place in her heart.

Vivian found joy in life’s simple pleasures and in the people she loved. She cherished time with family and friends, whether gathering for Mahjong, sharing stories over lunch, or simply enjoying each other’s company. She loved tending to her flowers and garden, and blue was always her favorite color. A Nicholas Sparks novel was never far from her reach, and she rarely missed a Hallmark movie or an episode of Dancing with the Stars. She enjoyed cheering on Notre Dame football and the Chicago Bears, spending time with her beloved dogs, and visiting the beauty salon. Though she was an incredible cook, one of her favorite treats never changed: a four piece Chicken McNuggets meal with Sweet ‘N Sour sauce and a small orange Hi C from McDonald’s.

Vivian believed every milestone was worth celebrating. Whether it was a birthday, holiday, or everyday achievement, she marked each occasion with joy, often sending a text filled with festive emojis. She celebrated every update from family and friends and found genuine happiness in their happiness.

In her final days, Vivian was surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Her children never left her side, surrounding her with the same love and care she had given them throughout their lives. It was a beautiful reflection of a life filled with love.

Vivian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin, and by her sons, Michael (Helene) Kagan and David (Heidi) Kagan

She is survived by her children, Robert (Monica) Kagan, Steven Kagan, and Lisa Kagan; her grandchildren, Andrea (Mazan) Chmaytelli, Jeffrey (Kaleigh) Kagan. Adam Kagan, Jack (Sara) Kagan, Sophie Kagan, Gabrielle Kagan, Chandler Kagan, Joseph Kagan, and Thomas Kagan; and her great grandchildren, Michael and Alessandra Chmaytelli, Lana Kagan, and Miles Kagan, the family’s newest blessing, who brought her great joy in her final months.

Family was Vivian’s greatest joy and her greatest legacy. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

May her memory be a blessing.

Graveside service, Tuesday 10 AM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. For shiva information or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.