Viola Marie Coppola

Viola ( Vi as she was known to all ) was born on June 11, 1925 in Boston Massachusetts. She was the daughter of two Italian immigrants, Luisa and Savino Salierno.Viola was raised as one of ten brothers and sisters on White Street in East Boston. She had a deep love for Mama and Papa, and her siblings. Vi attended schools in East Boston, and graduated from East Boston High School. She worked for Pastene and Co. and Wesco Waterpaints Co. in East Boston. Viola’s’ paychecks went to the Salierno household to help out. Her family wishes to share some of her hand written high lights of her life.

Her Papa, Savino Salierno moved his family to California on August 1, 1947. Papa drove his family across country in his new black Nash, when Vi was 22 yrs old. Within two weeks Vi was hired ( with the help of Mary Oro ) by Pacific Olive Co. doing secretarial work for Mr. Dick Ball and Mr. Bill Van Dellen who were her bosses. Years later the office and plant were moved to East Tulare Ave, Visalia, and the company name changed to Early California Olive co. Vi’s family home was across the street from it on the corner of Tulare and Bridge St.

Viola met the love of her life Anthony M. Coppola ( her Antone ) Tony at a East Boston High School Dance on February 22, 1947 prior to the family moving to California. They also attended the same High school but had never met until the dance, and had grown up just several blocks apart. Tony was also the son of Italian immigrants. He soon followed Vi to Visalia.

Viola and Tony were married in Visalia at the old St. Mary’s Church on July 10, 1949 on a Sunday afternoon 3:30 pm with 107 degree heat. She wore a beautiful longed sleeve satin gown that sister Fran helped select. She would later work for her beloved Tony as his personal secretary in his accounting practice in the old Commerce Building downtown.

She loved music, and her children have fond memories her playing the piano and singing. She sang on the radio twice when she was 16 yrs old, the songs were Darn That dream, Where are You.

One of her special memories was meeting John F. Kennedy, and his brothers Robert and Teddy at a garden party when she was 19yrs old. JFK was making his first run for Congress.

VIOLA’S GREATEST MIRACLES

Vi’s first miracle was having her son Gary, April 20, 1952. Tony and Vi were shocked! You see they were married 3 years, when the doctor told her she was pregnant. She thought she had a flu bug. Vi was never to have children, as she had a severe accident when she was 6-7 yrs old. Her parents were told she was dying from severe loss of blood loss, but, God had other plans for Vi. Because of this injury her parents were told by the doctors she could marry when she grew up. But never have children. Even with this knowledge, her Tony still wanted to marry Vi. Her Mama and Papa were shocked by this miracle.

But God wasn’t through with miracles, 4 yrs later on September 17, 1956 their beautiful Beverly came along, and believe Vi, “God has a sense of humor“. At age 40 their next miracle came on December 16, 1964, their sweet Karen was born.

Viola and Tony both came from large Italian families. Their children and families and their faith was the center of their lives and love.

She loved the Lord and was a people person and very involved with St. Mary’s Parish and community. She loved playing Bunko with her friends. She was a long time member of the Sons of Italy with her Tony and continued after his passing in 1988. She was a long time member of the Catholic Daughters. Vi taught CCD for ten years at George McCann school. Vi donated time to the Good News Center., Visalia Rescue Mission, Hospice, donated to numerous charities Visalia Emergency Aid, Fox Theater, expansion of new Catholic Church etc….Viola loved the Lord, Life, and if you knew Vi, you new she loved you. Viola passed away peacefully at her home on June 15, 2014.