Viva Bernice Mack, a 63-year-old woman remembered for her kind and quiet nature, was a beloved mother and grandmother. Born in March 1930, she had built her life in Kingston, Ontario, and was a cherished member of her community. Those who knew her recall a woman who was small in stature but had a big heart. She was a dedicated employee at the St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital, where she worked in the housekeeping department. Her life was centered around her family, and she found great joy in her children and grandchildren, who were a constant and loving presence in her life.
The familiar comfort of Viva’s life was shattered in the first days of November 1993. She was last seen by her family on the evening of Monday, November 1, 1993. Two days later, on the morning of November 3rd, concern grew when she could not be reached. A family member went to check on her at her ground-floor apartment at 205 CL MacAlpine Street and made a devastating discovery.
Viva was found deceased inside her home. The circumstances immediately pointed to a violent end, and her death was officially recorded as November 2, 1993.
The Kingston Police were called to the scene, and an intense investigation into her death began. It was clear to detectives that Viva had been the victim of a homicide. She had been brutally beaten and stabbed to death. Investigators worked diligently, collecting forensic evidence from the apartment and speaking with neighbors, friends, and family. They learned that Viva, who lived alone, had been preparing to move from her apartment shortly. The neighborhood was canvassed, and several persons of interest were identified and investigated over the years, but no arrests were ever made.
For more than three decades, the investigation into Viva Mack’s murder has remained open. The case is a top priority for the Kingston Police Major Crime Unit, which has revisited the evidence as forensic technology has advanced. Detectives believe that the key to solving the case lies within the community and that someone holds the missing piece of information that could bring justice for Viva. They have stressed that even a seemingly small or insignificant detail could be crucial in breaking the case open.
Over the years, Viva’s family has endured the profound pain of not knowing who was responsible for her death. Her son, David, has spoken of the enduring mystery and the hope that someone will finally come forward with the truth. The passage of time has not diminished the family's grief or their desire for answers and closure. They remember Viva as a loving mother who deserved to live out her later years in peace, surrounded by the family she adored.
As of January 2024, the murder of Viva Bernice Mack remains an active and priority unsolved cold case. Her case is one of nine featured on a new cold case portal launched by the Kingston Police, a digital effort to generate new leads and public interest in the city's most stubborn mysteries. Investigators continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the Kingston Police Major Crime Unit at 613-549-4660 or via email at [email protected].
