Vivian R. Rossetti

Petersburgh - Vivian R. Thorpe Rossetti, 90, of Petersburgh, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Troy, NY. Born on January 23, 1936 in Alpha, Michigan, Vivian lived a life filled with joy, adventure, friendship, and enthusiasm. Whether caring for patients, tending her garden, sharing stories, or striking up a conversation with a stranger, Vivian had a gift of making people feel welcome.

Vivian's caring nature revealed itself early in life when she decided to pursue a career in nursing. After completing her training at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago in 1957, she devoted herself to caring for others, bringing both skill and compassion to every patient. Nursing was more than a profession for Vivian, it was an extension of who she was and how she saw the world. She instinctively recognized when someone was in need and never hesitated to step in and lend them a hand, expecting nothing in return. Vivian was extremely proud to see her nursing legacy carried on by both her daughter, Lillian, and granddaughter, Shaylyn.

In Aspen, Colorado, while waiting in line for a ski lift, Vivian met the love of her life, John N. Rossetti. What began as a chance encounter grew into a lifelong love story sustained by letters while John was deployed in the United States Airforce, shared adventures, and 62 years of marriage. Together John and Vivian built a life centered on family, friendship, and lasting traditions, raising five children, and building a home that would later welcome their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Vivian lived each day enthusiastically. She loved dancing, swimming, singing, playing piano, scuba diving, skiing, and spending time in nature. She was an incredibly social person and was known to befriend strangers anywhere she went. If there was a club to join, a gathering to attend, or a new friend to make, Vivian was eager to be part of it. Her charisma, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit drew people to her wherever she went. Friends and family alike will remember the stories and laughter she brought into every room

Vivian cherished the time she spent with the people she loved and meticulously preserved countless moments with her, seemingly infinite and always handy, supply of disposable cameras. Vivian never missed her grandchildren's school concerts, graduations, or other milestones, carefully saving programs and mementos that celebrated those accomplishments. Her presence and encouragement could always be counted on.

Those who knew Vivian will remember all of the little things that made her uniquely herself-the stories she loved to tell, the tube of lipstick and pack of gum that were never far from reach, the songs she would sing, and the hummingbird feeder she faithfully kept full. They will remember a woman who embraced life wholeheartedly, found beauty in every moment, and made even strangers feel like family.

Vivian is predeceased by her parents, Reimer Thorpe and Lillian Moore Thorpe; her sister, Jean E. Thorpe McInerney; and her beloved husband, John Rossetti.

She is survived by her five children: Marcia Rossetti, Mark Rossetti (Karen), Lillian Rossetti Cardell (Michael), John Rossetti (Denise), and Vivian Rossetti Dutcher (the late John Dutcher); her siblings: Carol Thorpe Fruik, William "Bill" Thorpe, and Candice "Candy" Thorpe; her thirteen grandchildren: Heather Rossetti, Elizabeth Roche, Sarah Roche, Katharine Roche Carner (Christopher), Jeremy Rossetti (Sarah), Michela Rossetti, Alaina Rossetti, Derek Rossetti, Shaylyn Rossetti, Miranda Morneault, Jessica Morneault, Jack Cardell (step), and Jared Cardell (step); and four great-grandchildren: Kayden Miller (step), Lilyana Rossetti, and Everett Carner.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 4-6pm at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. A funeral home service will be held at the funeral home at 6pm. Burial will be held privately.