Obituary of Viola May Brayley
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our loving Mom, Nanners, Sister, Aunt and friend, Viola (Vi) May (nee Bishop) Brayley.
Vi was born in Newark, New Jersey, December 16, 1927, to May and Harry Bishop. At a young age her family moved to Moncton, New Brunswick. This is where she grew up and met the love of her life Harold and they were married in 1946. They built their first two houses together in Rothesay, New Brunswick and there they were blessed with their first born, Bonnie Elizabeth. In 1948 they moved to Toronto where Harold started his 32-year career with Continental Can Company, in 1953 they were blessed with their second child Valerie Ruth. In 1955 they transferred to Calgary where they adopted a son Kerry Micheal.
Mom had a very social and active life that surrounded them with many, many lifelong friends. She was an active member of North Minister United Church and Highland Park Community, which included her many years of volunteer work. Mom loved knitting (many sweaters, slippers and "dish clothes" for family and friends), she was an avid bowler and loved gardening. If their kitchen table could talk, there would be a lot of laughs and stories to be told - Mom’s door was always open - there was always room for one more at the table, she said she could always add another potato to the pot. Always special occasions, holidays, card games, talks, laughter, tears or just having a cup of tea with family and friends. Any time you walked through the door - you were welcomed with open arms and Mom would put the kettle on for a cup of tea.
"On This Day at Half Past Three Make Yourself a Cup of Tea
I’ll Think of You, You Think of Me and Just for a While, Together We’ll Be."
In 1973, Dad’s job took them to Winnipeg for a few years, meeting more friends, adventures, and new stories. But Calgary was calling them "home" to their girls and grandkids, where they retired.
Mom loved life, family, and friends. Viola is survived by her daughters, Bonnie (Fritz dec.) Sommerfeld, and Valerie Brayley (Barry Miller), six grandchildren, Victoria (Monty) Kuntz, David Sommerfeld (Barb Debolt), Barb Sommerfeld, John (Linnie) Waite, Jason (Angela) Waite, and Jacqueline (George) Ferguson; seven great-grandchildren, Ashley, Cody, Cadence, Avery, Ewing, Skye, and Alex. She is also survived by her sister Elsie Ramage and many nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by Harold, her loving husband of 67 years, son Kerry, her parents May and Harry, her two brothers, John and Harry, and son-in-law Jack Waite.
Six years ago, Mom suffered a massive stroke and could no longer live on her own. We were very fortunate that she could go to her new home at Cedar Villa, of which she loved.
Special thanks to her primary caregiver Lailani - for her extra love, compassion, and patience. Also, we can’t say thank you enough to all of the other caregivers who took care of her. Special thanks to Joanne social worker, Angela taking care of the activities, Megan nutritionist and Rob the chauffeur. He always pushed her around in her wheelchair while making her laugh.
Mom, Nanners, Sister, and Friend, we love you to the moon and back. Rest in peace, you are no longer suffering. Say hi to Dad, our H.A, our Gramps....as you always say....’Bye for now’.
As per Mom and her daughter's wishes, there will be no Funeral Services. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.