Vi Avolio

Vi (Violet) Avolio, born of Italian immigrants on May 25, 1931, and a devoted child of God, peacefully entered the embrace of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 29, 2026, closing a life marked by faith, creativity, and unwavering love for her family.

Blessed with an artist’s eye and a gentle spirit, Mom held beauty within her and shared it freely with others. From her style of dress and the warmth of her home to the family celebrations she prepared (especially Christmas and Easter, with tables overflowing with her cooking), everything she touched reflected a vision uniquely her own. She also delighted in the charm of classic black and white films, whose stories she often found richer than those of modern movies. Yet her artistic talent shone brightest in her paintings, which were far more than color on canvas: they expressed joy, memory, connection, and the quiet holiness she discovered in everyday life. Through them, she revealed her deepest belief—that art is a form of prayer and that life itself is a gift to give back to God.

Family was the heart of Mom’s life. As a mother, she guided and shaped her children’s lives; as a grandmother and great grandmother, she showed each child an affection that made them feel deeply treasured; and as a sister, aunt, and friend, she offered comfort and shared laughter. Her love made her home a welcoming haven where she expressed her faith, shared meals, and celebrations and the making of our deepest memories.

Her life testified to the quiet strength of devotion. She lived with humility, kindness, and a deep trust in God’s providence. Even in moments of difficulty, Mom carried herself with grace, believing firmly that God held in his hand every season of life. Those who knew her saw in her a woman who loved deeply, forgave readily, encouraged others to see the good in themselves and others and to trust in God to help in everything.

Mom joins in eternity, her husband John, her parents Salvatore Lacca (Concetta), sisters Susan and Rose, twin brother Salvatore, and brother Frank.

She is survived by a family who adored her: her brother Richard, sister-in-law Annette Avolio; her devoted children Ralph Avolio (Noelle), Debbie Behrendt (Tom, dec.), Sandy Hughes (Dan, dec.), and Mark Avolio; her loving grandchildren Megan (Josh), Rachel, Sarah, Renata (David), Bianca (Michael), Nic (Courtney), Elizabeth, Leah (Mat), Lexy, Rebekah (fiancé Dylan), and Nicholas; and her cherished great grandchildren Jaden, Zelie, Benjamin, Alfie, Anna, Theodore, and John (often known as GiGi). Each of them carries forward a part of her legacy, and her spirit lives in their creativity, compassion, and faith, and in the way they love one another.

Though she has gone home to the Lord, Mom’s presence remains woven into the hearts of all who knew her. Her memory is a blessing, her example a guide, and her love a light that will not fade.

May she rest in the peace of Jesus Christ, and may her life continue to inspire all who were privileged to walk beside her.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mom’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visitation will be held at The Shores Church, 24905 Manhattan St, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080, US, on October 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd, Michigan, MI 48038, US, on October 8, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.