Viola L. St.John

Viola ( Vi) ne Eccellente St.John of Manchester beloved widow of Walden E. St.John passed away peacefully among her family May 27, 2017. She was the middle child of Michael and Angelina Eccellente. She came from a loving family of six siblings. Born in Manchester on November 28,1919. Vi lived in the tri-city area most of her life with a short time in Jupiter, Florida. Mom graduated from Manchester High School in 1937. While in high school, she was the only girl in the band. Vi excelled as a violinist. While in high school she was voted best dancer. She came from a family of musicians and artists. Vi's hobbies were music, dancing, reading, watching the Yankees, gardening and travel. However her real passion was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Vi loved getting together with her family. Vi was the widow of Walden E. St.John. They were married for 44 years. He was the love of her life. Mom started her career working as a executive secretary for Anson. T. McCook a well-known lawyer in Hartford. She was the manager of Globe Travel Agency in Manchester for many years. Later she moved to Airway Travel Agency with the rest of her colleagues. Vi traveled extensively to many countries and often with her husband, Walden. Vi was an active volunteer in the local school system working in the libraries of Bowers School, St. Bart's School & also Illing Jr. High School. She was very active in St. Bart's Church and on many committees. Vi was also active on her High School reunion committee organizing many of their reunions.
Vi leaves behind her children Lauri and spouse Philip Russell, Mark St.John. Grandchildren Joel Russell and Melanie Russell and spouse Louis Rizzo. Blake, Casey and Samantha St.John. Great-grandchildren Nicholas and Michael Rizzo, Clive Russell and many nieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed by her family and all that knew her. Funeral services will be Friday, June 2, at 9:15 am at Holmes Funeral Home 400 Main St. Manchester followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. Bartholomew Church 736 Middle Turnpike East Manchester. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends may call Thursday, June 1, from 5-8 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association 200 Executive Blvd. Suite 4B Southington, CT 06489-105. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com





Visitation DetailsThursday, June 1st, 2017 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Holmes Funeral Home
Service DetailsFriday, June 2nd, 2017 10:00am, St. Bartholomew Church
Interment DetailsSt. James Cemetery