Vivian M. Croteau

Vivian Marie (Scalera) Croteau, 83, formerly of North Andover, MA, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the Haverhill, MA, home she shared with her daughter on October 27, 2021, after a brief illness.

The daughter of the late Angelina (Lombardo) and Pantaleone (Leo) Scalera, Vivian was born in Lawrence where she would later raise her family. She was educated in Lawrence schools and spent her life serving the public. She was well known and loved by coworkers and patrons alike for her spunky personality and 43-year career waitressing throughout the Merrimack Valley at restaurants such as Spyro’s, Terra Marra, Valle’s Steak House, Station B&N and most recently, Angelica’s. Prior to this, Viv owned and operated Croteau’s Variety in the Tower Hill section of Lawrence in the ‘70s, worked for The Lawrence Eagle Tribune, briefly in real estate and served 10 years as a substitute teacher for Greater Lawrence Tech in Andover.

She was passionate about her MinPin, Chewy, time spent with family and friends, playing the numbers, casino gambling, Vegas trips, Barbra Streisand music, the beach, her extensive clown collection and perusing flea markets. She was an avid follower of General Hospital, a soap she watched faithfully for 50 years, shushing anyone who dared converse while it was on, and could clean house on a lobster like nobody’s business.

Viv will be greatly missed by her children: son, Richard and daughter, Kerry, both of Haverhill, MA, daughter, Deborah (Sullivan) of Dracut MA, son, Gary Croteau of Danville, NH; daughter-in law, Michelle Croteau of Danville, former daughter-in-law, Bernadine Kosowicz of Windham, NH; grandchildren, Rick, Colin and Nicole Croteau of Windham, NH, Alex and Kimberly Sullivan of Dracut, MA, Chloe and Katie Croteau of Danville, NH; and brother, Richard Scalera of Bradford MA. She also leaves and will be missed by her two closest friends, Dottie and Maureen; her Angelica’s family; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, MSPCA, Angell or Humane Society of the U.S.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 12:00 PM. Burial will be private at a later date.