Viola Mary Pelletier

Viola is survived by her son David (Kim), daughter Janet (Steven Goetze), and three grandchildren - Adam and Evan Goetze and Deanna Pelletier. Viola was predeceased by her husband, Marcel; her parents, Rene and Anna Adam; her sister, Dolores and brother-in-law, Brian Madden; and her nephew, Mark Madden.

Viola was born in Crane River, Manitoba. Her family moved to Berens River, Manitoba, where Viola began her education in a one-room schoolhouse. Viola and her sister Dolores continued their education as boarders at St. Joseph’s Academy in Winnipeg. Viola skipped two grades and graduated high school at 16 years of age. She enrolled in Normal School to become a teacher and began her teaching career at Holland High School in 1950. Viola also taught at Faraday School and Norquay School in Winnipeg.

Viola met Marcel while teaching at Faraday School. They married on Canada Day in 1954 and spent 58 very happy years together. Viola and Marcel loved to play bridge, ballroom dance, garden, host dinner parties, and attend the many rich arts and cultural offerings in Winnipeg and on their travels. They were nature lovers and members of the Fort Whyte Centre since it opened in 1983. Viola served as Business Manager for the Winnipeg Youth Orchestras in the late 1980s and extensively researched the history of the Winnipeg Youth Orchestras for a book commissioned by the organization. Viola also spent years locating lost alumni for the Alumni Association at the University of Manitoba. She was an active member of both the Schoolmasters’ Wives Association and the Retired Women Teachers’ Association.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Charleswood Care Centre for their kindness and compassionate care during Viola’s stay there. Cremation and burial have taken place. At Viola's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba (http://www.alzheimer.mb.ca/) or to the Fort Whyte Centre.

“As long as we live, they too will live, for they are a part of us as we remember them.” Mom, you will live on in our hearts and memories. You will be missed.