Vivien Halpern Greenberg's Obituary
Vivien Halpern Greenberg > Vivien was born January 9, 1928 in New York City. She lost her father, Nathan Gwirtzman, when she was two-years-old and was raised by her mother, Rose an immigrant from Russia. Her childhood was marked by the need to work to help support the family before reaching her teens. A quick study and avid reader, Viv promptly went to work in New York’s garment district after graduating high school and became secretary for Norbert Aly Halpern, the man she was to marry after a brief courtship in 1946. Several years into their marriage, Al’s work took the couple to Chicago, then Peoria, and eventually Galesburg where Viv and Al purchased a women’s clothing store which they reopened at 137 E. Main as “halpern’s.” Together, with Viv on the floor and Al doing the books, halpern’s flourished along with a host of retail stores. For some, Viv’s New Yawk accent may have been as well known as her flair for fashion and knack for knowing just the right outfit for her customers. Many not only became “regulars, ” but also close friends and admirers of Viv’s good judgment and taste in art, literature, as well as fashion. The opening of Sandburg Mall in 1975 led to the store’s closing after 25 years in business. halpern’s was not fancy and not particularly expensive. Neither was Viv, though rarely seen out and about without making a statement. She was beautiful and striking in most anything she wore. She was at “the store” six days a week and on her feet most of time. Even so, she came home and fed her three boys delicious home cooked meals that she had prepared and froze every Sunday, her day off. Galesburg’s frigid winters led Viv and Al to Delray Beach, Florida, first as snowbirds and eventually full timers in the early ‘90s. After 47 years of marriage, Viv fell in love with Norman Greenberg, her second husband. They, too, eventually parted ways and Viv lived out her days in Boynton Beach. Viv was laid to rest on January 16th alongside Al who died in 2004. Her first born, RIchard Neil Halpern preceded her in death in 2022. She is survived by her son, David Grant Halpern, his wife Linda, their two children, Katelyn Rose Halpern and Joshua Nathanial Halpern and her great grand daughter, Oa Green Halpern Figueroa, born January 2, 2025. Those who knew her may recall her firmness of mind and indomitable spirit . It was not easy, but she made it to age 97 and just long enough to become a great grandma. Viv was loved by family and friends. She will be missed
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