103, of St. Petersburg passed away February 29, 2020 with family at her side. Viola moved to Florida in 1955 with her 3 young sons as a single mother. Her entire work career in Florida was spent as a bookkeeper with Slimer’s Resort Wear. She raised 3 wonderful sons. Loved her 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. For 12 years Viola volunteered at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Predeceased by her husband Kenneth and oldest son Peter McAuley. Survived by sons John McAuley (Donna), Robert McAuley (Mona), and daughter in law Donna McAuley-Ryan. 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Memorial service to be held at Bay Pines Memorial Cemetery March 12, 2020 @ 1:30pm with a celebration of life to follow. veteransfuneralcare.com
I was privileged to share lunchtime on Thursdays with Viola and another volunteer, Janet, at St. Petersburg General Hospital. We enjoyed each other’s company every week and were always concerned when one of us didn’t show up in the cafe. When not there, I would send her e.mails to see if she was okay. She always wrote back that everything was fine, not to worry. The last time I e.mailed her, I received no response so I knew something had happened. I visited her twice in the hospital and promised to visit her at the rehab center. She made me promise not to visit for at least a week in order to give her time to get established, which was agreed to, reluctantly. Sadly, she left us before my visit.
Viola didn’t have a great deal to say about politics, but occasionally she would get “fired up” and tell me her opinion, always very interesting.
There was a volunteer picnic at Seminole Park in recent months and Viola said she was not going to attend. When I told her I was going to play the ukulele, she said, well, ok, I’ll be there in that case. Her son brought her and I think she enjoyed herself and possibly the ukulele too.
Viola shared pictures recently of her family. Her eyes were so bright when speaking of them. Beautiful family. I cared very much for Viola, was shocked at her passing, and will miss her greatly. Grand lady.