Viva Ettin Rader M.D., J.D.

Medical Doctor, Malpractice Attorney, Community Volunteer, Wonderful wife, sister and aunt. ”Viva” vivacious, beautiful, blessed, highly loved, respected, kind, considerate, cheerful, and “brilliant”. She lit up a room with her smile, wit, charisma and sparkling personality. Born in and lover of South Africa she was a proud U.S. Citizen. She recently said: “I’ve had the best ever most wonderful life, wonderful family, husband and friends. I have enjoyed every minute of it (bar a couple)”. A loyal and trustworthy friend, confidant to many, she would do anything for her friends. She is survived by her husband Richard E. Rader, brother Saul Marc Levin, sister Cara Bensky (husband Ron), sister Mira Levin Gonzalez (husband Robert), niece Siena Levin Gonzalez, nephews Chad and Todd Bensky.

She was the light of her husband’s life and always made him proud; he adored and respected her. She was an advisor to her brother Saul and an active mentor with an extremely close mutual relationship with her sister Mira and niece Siena; they will miss her dearly.

She was a political junkie, extremely well read, supporter of the Jewish people, and an expert on the British Royal Family.

She taught tort law at UC Davis, served on the Deans Council At McGeorge School of Law, past president of the Hospice Board UC Davis Medical Center, on the Executive Committee UC Davis Leadership Council. She was a board member of the Mind Institute, the Child Abuse Council, March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Club of Sacramento, Foundation Committee at River Oaks Centre for Children, National Advisory Council for Betty Moore School of Nursing and served on committees at the Crocker Art Museum. As a KVIE board member she received a national PBS award as Volunteer of the Year. She was a committee member of the Sutter Club and of the Del Paso Country Club.

She enjoyed hiking, golf, traveling, art, opera, dining and was “titular” head of the DPCC book club.

She was head of multiple committees and a devoted many year volunteer at Sutter Hospital. She asked that you consider a donation to The Sutter Medical Foundation.

May her Memory be forever a blessing. BD’E.

There will be a Celebration of her life at the Del Paso Country Club on August 14, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00pm.