Lasting Memories

Vivian Distler
May 7, 1965-Dec. 6, 2011
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Shelley Hebert

Longtime Palo Alto resident and Jewish community leader Vivian Distler passed away on Dec. 6, 2011.

Born in Montreal, Canada, in 1965, Vivian took pride in her heritage and upbringing in a closely-knit Jewish community.

She brought those experiences into her many volunteer commitments, ranging from service on the boards of the Jewish Community Center, Kehillah Jewish High School and JCF South Peninsula Council, to training in local emergency preparedness and participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society "Team in Training" program.

She chaired the 2007 "To Life! Jewish Cultural Street Festival" and was a board member of New Bridges to Jewish Community.

Vivian graduated from Boston University in 1987 with a BS in broadcasting and film and a BA in history. She earned a JD from UC Berkeley School of Law in 1994, where she was managing editor of the California Law Review. She was a law clerk at the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada. Her early career was in television production, first in New York, and then in Los Angeles. Later, she practiced law at Wilson Sonsini. In 2007, she joined the Institute for the Future and became Director of Research and Collaborative Networks for the Health Horizons Program.

Always accompanied by her cherished canine companions, Vivian shared her love for them with everyone. Her keen intelligence, compassion, wisdom, loyalty and generous nature were evident in all she did. Vivian wrote, "I am largely about connecting with people -- building and nurturing relationships, managing teams to get a job done, and communicating effectively."

Vivian is survived by her brother, Jacques Distler of Austin, Texas; sister-in-law, Suzanne Fremont; beloved niece and nephew, Lauren and Avi; her many friends; and dog Buddy.