FISHLEIGH, Viola Lillian (nee Gagnon)

Peacefully at Tufford Nursing Home on January 7, 2021, seven days short of her 95th birthday, Viola was taken from us by complications arising from COVID-19. She was involved in the community throughout her life through involvement in U.C.W, and Girl Guides of Canada. During her forty plus years in Girl Guides of Canada, Viola held many positions including Brownie leader, District Commissioner, cookie convenor and most recently a member of Mary Malcolmson Trefoil Guild. When Viola was a mere fourteen years old, she assumed the responsibility of her two younger siblings after their own mother's passing. In her later teens, she worked at a Pharmacy in Hamilton where she met our father Fred (19202004). They made their home in St. Catharines where they remained for their entire lives. Viola spent most of her life as a homemaker, but went back to school to finish her education which had been cut short in her younger years. As enthusiastic campers, Mom and Dad took us on camping vacations every year which led to our love of the outdoors. Some of us were grown when they joined the trailer club, NCHA, but we remember many fun destinations throughout and beyond the province. An avid knitter, Viola carefully crafted and sized socks to all of her progenies' feet. In addition to this, she also enjoyed quilting and finished a number of beautiful quilts for family. She was also a voracious reader and an accomplished crossword solver. Predeceased by siblings Winifred, Ken, Keith, D. Victoria and Veronica, Viola is survived by Barry, Ross, Bill, Lee Plumpton and Bruce. Viola will be remembered as a loving mother, nana and grand nana by her children: Geraldine Kelter, John (Wendy) Fishleigh, Marlene (Wayne) Penner, Ruth Fishleigh; her grandchildren Elaine (Ian Shaw), Michael (Laura), Tara, Heather (Curt Richard), Jeremy Janzen (Carolyn), Karen (Matt Leroux), Elizabeth (Dan Barnowski) and 11 great-grandchildren aged 24 to toddler. Many thanks to the Tufford Nursing Home staff who all cared so compassionately for Viola for during the past two years. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Viola's life will take place at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions to a charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Hulse and English Funeral Home & Chapel (905-6846346). Online tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com