Viviane B. Waterhouse

Princeton- It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Viviane Waterhouse, who left us while holding the hands of her daughter, Jacqueline Waterhouse, and son, Lincoln Waterhouse, on September 28, 2026. Viviane gave her heart, her honesty, her sense of humor, her commitment, and her love to those around her, with whom she connected and cherished.

Viviane was born in Garches, Seine-et-Oise, France, on November 14, 1939, to Rosa Louise Berthe Bouan. Stories of her childhood, such as the times when she would explore a deserted island while awaiting her grandfather's fishing boat's return, reflect her adventurous spirit. Born during the occupation of France, she grew strong through her perseverance and her family's love, and at the age of 19, she came to the United States, pursuing her education as well as a handsome man named Willard Waterhouse, whom she married on July 3, 1965. Theirs was an unbreakable bond, seen in the love they embodied, as she cared with him and for him until his passing.

A graduate of the Collège de Jeunes Filles in France, she continued her education in teaching at Smith College. Viviane shared her native language with curious students in the Princeton and Holden, MA, schools. While volunteering with the after-school discovery club and Mass Audubon, Viviane shared her love of the outdoors, teaching children to notice nature's simple, beautiful things, playing "Catch a Falling Autumn Leaf," and leading scavenger hunts. She also gave her time to the local Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops and the town soccer league. Many remember when she would somehow fit 10+ children into her tiny yellow Honda Civic to be sure they all could go where they wanted to go.

In the home she built in Princeton, she celebrated life's big and small moments with family and friends, far too numerous to list here. She and her husband were the owners of the New England Tag Finishing Service and worked alongside each other for many years there.

Her love for the sea carried her to favorite places like Georgetown, Maine; to their sailboat, Sparrow; and to her second home in Long Bay, Jamaica, where she was often found watching a sunset, rum drink in hand. Swimming in the little river, doing a crossword puzzle, enjoying an après-ski fondue with friends, reading a good book, and knitting were some of her favorite pastimes.

Viviane was a woman people adored and loved. Mom, Grandma, Auntie, Grammy, Meme, Tantine Tartine, Little Baguette, Chou Chou, and Becassine were names used for her by those who loved her.

Her joie de vivre shone, and it will shine forever through all those she loved and who loved her.