Viola May Cassatt

Viola “Vi” Cassatt, age 89, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026. A funeral service will be held at Runge Mortuary on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 12 pm. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Vi will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Buffalo, Iowa. Memorials may be made in Vi’s name to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rungemortuary.com

She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, whose fierce independence, unwavering work ethic, and spirited personality left an unforgettable mark on all who knew her.

Born on February 4, 1937, in Davenport, Iowa, Vi was the daughter of Theodore “Kip” Rostenbach and Corrine Kathryn (Siefors) Rostenbach. She attended Buffalo School in Buffalo, Iowa, and later completed her education through American School in Chicago, Illinois. From an early age, she was determined and strong-willed, with a spark that made it clear she would live life on her own terms.

Vi was preceded in death by her brothers Walter and Robert Rostenbach and is survived by her brother Kenneth Rostenbach. She was first married to Lee Meador in 1953, with whom she had two children, Randy Meador and Vicky (Meador) Risinger. Later, she married Gerald “Juggy” Cassatt on October 14, 1967. He preceded her in death on January 7, 1986.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Vicky (Mike) Risinger and Randy (Linda, deceased) Meador; her grandchildren Jennifer (Mario) Pizano, Amy (David) Wilson, Jason (Kate) Hahnbaum, Sarah (Tom) Boltz, and Megan (Riley) Beck; and her 10 cherished great-grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as “Grandma Choo Choo.”

Vi built a life grounded in hard work and service to others. She worked as an office manager at W.T. Grant’s Department Store and Camp Fire Girls of America, served as a product line supervisor at Custom-Pak and Interfood, Inc., and later worked until her retirement as a paraeducator for Davenport Community Schools. No matter the role, she approached her work with dedication, pride, and perseverance.

A devoted volunteer, Vi gave generously of her time and energy. She served for many years as a Camp Fire troop leader, participated in Project Clean Sweep, and contributed to the Davenport Festival of Trees. One of her most meaningful experiences was accompanying a veteran to Washington, D.C. to visit the national monuments—a reflection of her deep respect for service and community.

Widowed at the young age of 49, Vi continued to raise her family, maintain her home and acreage, and work full-time with remarkable strength. She took immense pride in her home, yard, and garden, tending to them with care and determination throughout her life – the beauty she created was evident to all who visited.

She had a deep love for the outdoors, especially her garden and the hummingbirds she faithfully cared for. Watching and nurturing them brought her great joy, and it was a simple pleasure that became one of her most treasured pastimes.

Vi was truly one of a kind—a spitfire who was fiercely independent, witty, sharp as a tack, and lived life on her own terms. She was resilient in every sense of the word, meeting life’s challenges head-on with grit and humor. She never forgot a birthday or holiday card, always making sure those she loved felt remembered and valued. Known for her long, story-filled phone calls, she turned everyday conversations into lasting memories. She was known for her quick wit, distinctive laugh, and her generous spirit—always willing to lend a helping hand, even when her own plate was full.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy lives on in the strength, humor, and love she instilled in those around her.

Vi lived boldly, loved fiercely, and never lost her spark. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength, generosity, and unmistakable spirit. Her fire has not dimmed—it simply found a new place to shine.