VENTURA
Virginia Francis Viola October 21, 1924 to March 30, 2014
Virginia’s journey through life began in Los Angeles as the only child of an Irish Immigrant mother and a WW1 veteran from Colorado. In her youth she worked for Hal Roach Studios making limited appearances in Our Gang & Little Rascals movie shorts.
At 13 she acquired her business savvy in the family restaurant, due to the untimely death of her father. At 17 she declined a scholarship in mathematics at Stanford University in order to help her mother run the family business.
It was in the early WWII years when her course was redirected by a US Naval officer by the name of Ralph Viola that danced his way into her heart. They were married in February of 1944 and landed in Oxnard to start their family and construction company.
As the co-founder of Viola Inc., Constructors she was instrumental in the financial success of the company for 68 years. Together they built many landmark projects in Ventura, LA, and Santa Barbara Counties. They were honored to work extensively with the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
Virginia’s aptitude in math allowed her to balance the books of four companies to the penny and fueled her passion to play Bridge. She was an early member of the Ventura County Dance Club and the treasurer of the Assistance League where she was influential in the purchase of the Chapter House in Ventura. She and Ralph were involved with the Contractors State License Board, AGC and other organizations that led them to dinner at the White house under two separate administrations.
She was a devoted wife, exceptional business partner, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Preceded in death by Ralph her husband of 52 years and survived by her sons and their wives Michael (Eunice), Terry (Marta Elena), and Timothy (Donna). Grandchildren Elaina, Marina, Chanel, Charlene, Alexis, Robert, Randal, Ryan, Tyler, Dylan, Savannah, and Victoria. Great grandson Troy.
Virginia’s journey will conclude with a viewing and Rosary service at the San Buenaventura Mission at 7:00 pm Thursday April 3 2014. VISITING HOURS WILL BE FRIDAY AFTERNOON MARCH 4, 2014 from 2 to 5PM in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church 10:00 am Saturday April 5th 2014, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to Livingston Memorial VNA / Hospice 1996 Eastman Ave. #101, Ventura, CA 93003 for the gracious care of loved ones.