Vivian (Ina) Nelson Henry

Vivian (Ina) Nelson Henry, who was born on March 31, 1940, in Swampscott, Massachusetts, passed away on April 19, 2026, at Bay Lake in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Vivian was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose excellent sense of humor and sparkle was enjoyed by all who knew her. She was the devoted wife of the late Donald J. Henry and took great pride in her family throughout her life. She is survived by her only child from her first marriage to Edward “Ted” Kyett, her daughter, Laura Kyett Bortnick, and her husband, Alan, of Virginia Beach. She was a loving grandmother to Erica Robbins and her husband, Chris, now of Leesburg, Virginia (formerly from Virginia Beach), and Daena Finley and her husband, Austin, of Tampa, Florida. She was also the sister of her beloved brother Ed Nelson and his wife, Carla, of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, and an especially close and loving cousin to Leslie Ogan and her husband, Bob, of Marblehead. She loved her family deeply and took great joy from seeing them grow and thrive as they lived their lives.

Born and raised in Swampscott, Massachusetts, Vivian graduated from Swampscott High School before continuing her education at Bridgeport University, then transferring to Boston University where she studied Art.   

Vivian’s career path was an interesting and varied one as she sampled many different opportunities that life threw her way, including a time working at the PBS Workshop in Watertown as a Production Assistant on the fan favorite “This Old House” series, a brief stint as a Lab Technician, and she enjoyed many years as a Real Estate Broker working at Lee Gold Realty in Sharon, helping families find just the right property to call their home.

Vivian enjoyed a rich personal life. She loved being active, playing tennis and racquetball, but it was a love of golf that she shared with her husband Don that she enjoyed the most, being members of Royal Crest Country Club in Walpole. She had a passionate love and respect for nature, the arts, music and for all animals, both wild and domestic.  Those who knew her will remember her as a true free spirit, someone who would champion the underdog, and a quick wit who loved to laugh with others.  

Vivian moved to Virginia Beach ten years ago, after previously living in Walpole and Plymouth, Massachusetts. She embraced each new place she called home, enjoying both exploring and connecting with other like-minded, free spirits, building small but close connections along the way.  She will be remembered for her big heart, her appreciation of beauty in the world, her encouragement for everyone to experience personal growth and enjoying life to the fullest, and mostly for being truly authentic and real.

When people think of Vivian Ina Nelson Henry, they will surely smile…ever a unique and memorable lady, she provided spice in everyone’s life. Her daughter Laura will quietly smile and tell you that her mother was “An E-ticket ride.” Vivian will always remain vibrant and youthful in the hearts and minds of her family and friends.
 

A graveside service will be held at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton on Monday, April 27th at 11:00 a.m.

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