Age 94, died peacefully in the hands of the Lord on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the home of her daughter Carol, who lovingly cared for her, in Cape Coral, Florida, where she had lived since October 2014. She was born on the Eden family farm on August 11, 1927, near La Crescent, Minnesota. She shared all the hard work of farming with her brothers and sisters until she moved off the farm to work as a waitress in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
On February 2, 1945, she married her soul mate Bill Harvey Sr. They spent 54 active, happy years together raising four children and enjoying life. She and Bill moved to Chelsea, Michigan, in 1961 and joined St. Mary Parish, and they quickly developed many friendships, especially through involvement with the Knights of Columbus, where Bill served a term as 4th Degree Grand Knight. Viola loved cooking and baking. Viola always prepared the most wonderful meals for her family. She also loved being outdoors, gardening, fishing, walking beaches collecting sea shells, listening to music, playing with her grand fur babies, visiting friends at the park, playing cards and traveling. She especially loved being at the family cabin in Indian River, Michigan.
Viola was preceded in death by her husband Bill Sr; daughter JoAnne Marie; sisters Eleanor (Babe) and Helen; brothers Henry, Ray, and Ty. She is survived by her brother Bernard Eden; her children Bill Jr (Nancy), Michael (Sandra), and Carol. She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Ashley, Lisa, and Burt, two great-grandchildren, Aariale and Gabby, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan, on Tuesday July 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Memorials can be made to the Alzhiemers Association, St Mary Catholic Church, or the Animal Shelter of your choice. Services in Michigan are being handled by Cole Funeral Chapel.
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