Vivian E. Hurd

Vivian E. Hurd, Milford, passed away peacefully surrounded by the family she cherished dearly on Monday, August 31, 2026, at her home, she was 82. Vivian was born in Trainer, PA to the late, Vivian V. and Edward Crompton Jr.

Vivian worked for Bayhealth Hospital in both the Kent and Sussex locations with over 40 years of dedicated service retiring in 2005 as Acting Director for Diagnostic Imaging, a job she loved dearly, and one that she made lifelong friendships with many of her colleagues.

It is hard to sum up a life that meant many things to so many people. Vivian was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother first and foremost. She loved her family tremendously and took the most pride when all the kids and grandchildren came together for family time whether at her home or at the family’s beach house in South Bowers. The beach home was a labor of love that was meticulously resurrected and remodeled, something she worked alongside her husband Lonny in bringing it back to its former glory. She enjoyed helping him in whatever projects they had going on and especially enjoyed painting and picking out all the colors. As a part-time resident of South Bowers, she served on the Association of South Bowers and was instrumental in the organization of their community picnics for over 20 years. The beach was a special place for Vivian, and she loved spending time there. She also organized the family reunions held at Killens Pond State Park and the beach house.

Vivian was never one to keep still and enjoyed many activities. She loved to crotchet and her favorite things to create were baby blankets, afghans, and various Christmas items. She was very talented and won first-place ribbons at the Delaware State Fair for her dollies and Christmas beads. She loved board games, working in the yard, cooking and trying new recipes, and fishing. She was the best fisherman and guaranteed to catch fish when others could not. Traveling was also something she enjoyed doing, and most recently took a trip with friends to Europe and had the distinction of visiting every state in the US, the Arctic Circle, and panned for gold in Alaska. Antiquing and collecting antiques was also a favorite activity, and enjoyed checking out antique shops whether they were local or while traveling.

One can not think about Vivian without knowing her love for her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Milford Church of the Nazarene for over 62 years. Over those years she served in many capacities of the church to include youth director, Sunday School Superintendent, board member, Caravan worker, and Head of Fellowship. Mission trips were essential to her and Lonny and together they travelled all over the world ministering, sharing the gospel, praying for others, all while helping to rebuild communities. They served as missionaries to Ecuador, the Rain Forest in Guatemala, painted houses in Alabama, and Florida where they helped clean and refresh a retirement center for missionaries, to name a few places.

To put it simply, the best word to describe Vivian is Love. Her love of family, God, and servitude to others guided her throughout her life; she loved all and was loved by all, and her presence will be forever missed.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her parents, Edward Jr. and Vivian Crompton; her brother, Edward Crompton, III; her sister, Shirley MacBlain; and her son, Lonny Hurd Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband, her constant companion, Lonny G. Hurd Sr., daughters, Tracy Oechsler (Jim), Jenny Shulli (Paul); daughter in law, Leah Hurd; sisters, Sandra Barr, Grace Costin; grandchildren, Grant Williams (Colleen), Andrew Oechsler (Montana), Elli Oechsler (Braeden); great grandchildren, Cayden Williams, Lincoln Williams, River Jean Oechsler, Atlas Wolf Oechsler, Wren Mae Oechsler; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy, Harrington, DE. A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 at 1 PM, at the Milford Church of the Nazarene, 11 N.W. Salevan Place, Milford, DE, a visitation will take place one hour prior to the service starting at 12 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vivian’s memory to the Fellowship Fund at the Milford Church of the Nazarene, 11 N.W. Salevan Place, Milford, DE 19963.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home.