Who is Viv's Aunt from The Spy Who Loved Me and what is their importance?

Viv's aunt is a kindly, if unaffectionate, woman. Viv's aunt lives in Quebec and is embroiled in the religious struggle that is a large part of the community there. Viv grew up in this struggle and found it to be oppressive. However, when Viv returns as an adult, she finds the struggle trite and unimportant.