METCALF, VIOLA (VI) LYDIA

August 9, 1929 – Medicine Hat, Alberta

May 3, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Viola Metcalf, beloved wife of Weldon Metcalf, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the age of 92 years.

Vi was born in Medicine Hat, AB on August 9, 1929. She lived in many communities across Alberta and Saskatchewan before settling in Calgary in the 1980s. She and Weldon married in 1948. Weldon was the love of Viola’s life. She spent 35 years as a widow and is now reunited with her precious husband.

Vi was a talented seamstress. She did everything, from making wedding dresses, baptismal gowns, and suits to reupholstering a chair. Her love of sewing even had her running her own fabric store in the 1970s.

Vi was very involved at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She participated in a number of activities. Most notably, she was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and of the Totus Tuus Rosary Makers. She made thousands of rosaries, which have gone to missions all across the globe.

Vi loved to travel, and some of her favourite trips were her trips to Europe and Atlantic Canada because of her love of lighthouses. Vi will be most remembered for her deep and abiding love for her family. All of her children would say that Vi was the best mother ever. Her home was always open to her children and grandchildren. No matter what was happening in their lives, Vi would always take them in with open arms. Seven of her grandchildren ended up living in her home at different points in their lives.

Vi is survived by her three daughters, Charlene Buziak of Grande Prairie, AB, Judy Branner of Calgary, AB, and Kimberly Metcalf of Calgary, AB; as well as her daughter-in-law Wanda Metcalf of Calgary, AB. She was the beloved grandmother of ten grandchildren, Jason, Tara, Sean, Kyle, Nathan, Robyn, Sarah, Michael, Victoria, and Emily; and also the cherished great-grandmother of seven great-grandchildren. Vi is also survived by her brother, Albert (Roxanne) Weiss; and sisters, Vivian Lautermilch and Doreen Irving. Viola was predeceased by her husband Weldon, her son Calvin, and grandson Nigel. She was also predeceased by her parents, Henry and Pauline Weiss, and her brothers, Alan and Harvey.

Relatives and friends are invited to prayers at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the parish hall. The funeral will also be live streamed on the YouTube channel “St. Gerard’s Catholic Church YYC”.

Vi’s family passes along a special thank you to Dr. Thomas Fung, nurse Rubi Lyn, the Sisters of Providence and all the dementia caregivers at Providence Care Centre in Calgary, AB for their care and compassion.

In living memory of Viola Metcalf, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.