Vivian Escalante

On July 8, 1972, Vivian Marie (Wostarek) Escalante was the first child born to James and Charlene (Neiser) Wostarek. She was welcomed by her half-siblings, David and Rose.  Her experiences growing up in a small town formed her into a strong, independent woman and influenced many aspects of her adult life.  From speeding her bike around the bend on Janssen Lane to keeping her two younger brothers (Jon and Pete) in line, Vivian was in charge.  She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in La Grange, graduating eighth grade in the centennial Sacred Heart class of 1986 and La Grange High School class of 1990.

Following graduation, Vivian moved to Austin to pursue her dreams where she lived and worked for her brother, David, and later pursued a career as an insurance underwriter.   While working for him, she met the love of her life, Javier Escalante, whom she married on April 28, 2001.  Together, they were blessed with four children — Emilie, Joseph, Olivia and Isaiah.  Vivian continued her career as an insurance underwriter for TAGA where she had been employed since 2001 and will be remembered fondly by many of her co-workers.  She balanced working full-time with being a full-time mom - running kids to scouting, sporting events and everything in between.  Her love of watching sports, especifically soccer, basketball and football enhanced her time watching her children play.  The recent addition of the Austin FC Soccer team gave Vivian many a conversation as she met new people over the past year.

Vivian’s Catholic faith has always been important to her and she prioritized instilling it into her children - making sure weekly mass was attended, sacraments fulfilled, and grace said before meals, no matter where they were. She also volunteered as a Religious Education teacher at their parish, St. Theresa, in Austin, Texas.  Her faith and love for her children provided the family with a strong foundation.

Vivian’s love for life showed up in many places. Since childhood, she always wanted to have a cat in the house. When Vivian Was young, she snuck a stray cat home under her jacket. This first pet set the stage for their current beloved household cat, Muffin.  Vivian was always ready for a trip to somewhere special.  Last summer, despite trips being shorter due to cancer, she made sure to gather up the family and head to a variety of iconic Austin locations, such as Mayfield Park and the Andice General Store.  However, from a young age, her favorite place of all was the beach, originating in trips to the coast with her siblings and loving grandparents, John and Mary Neiser.  She also loved collecting cuttings of plants that she saw wherever she went. Vivian loved cooking TV shows and there were very few she could miss watching. She loved taking their ideas and making a new meal for her family as well as making old favorites.  Cake decorating was a craft she picked up before motherhood. When the children were younger, she loved to bake their birthday cakes.

Vivian fought a long battle with lymphoma cancer and never gave up - fully loving life, her family and God.  She passed away on October 19, 2021.

Vivian is survived by her father James Wostarek of La Grange, TX; husband Javier Escalante and her four children: Emilie, Joseph, Olivia and Isaiah of Austin, TX; sister Rose (Wostarek) Howell and husband Larry of Austin, TX; brother David Wostarek and wife Jeannette of Austin, TX; brother Jonathan Wostarek of Pflugerville, TX, and brother Peter Wostarek and wife Crystal of St. Hedwig, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her loving mother and father-in-law, Frances and Raul Escalante and the Escalante Family.

Vivian was preceded in death by her mother, Charlene (Neiser) Wostarek, grandparents John and Mary Neiser and Peter and Agnes Wostarek.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 9:30 am, rosary at 10:45 am and funeral at 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church in La Grange, TX.  Interment is to follow at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Plum, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left on the tribute wall on the website of Fayette Memorial Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church in Austin, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School in La Grange, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).