Viola Feia

Viola Feia

February 25, 1926 - October 29, 2022

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON - Viola Fay Feia, age 96, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on Feb. 25, 1926, in Omaha, Neb., the daughter of Louis and Ella (Nelson) Davis.


Viola graduated from Creighton High School in Omaha, Neb. She was united in marriage to Lawrence Feia in 1944 in Omaha, Neb. As a self-employed seamstress/tailor, Viola provided a smile and custom clothing services around the world (Madison, Germany, Texas, and Nebraska) for nearly 80 years. With Vi at the helm, the Feia family also hand-crafted holiday wreaths and ribbons, bringing much spirit to the Madison area. In addition to her seamstress and wreath-making work, during World War II, Viola took to the factory floor in Omaha riveting the wings of B-29 Bombers. She was a real-life Rosie the Riveter!


Viola enjoyed gardening, sewing, and visiting grandchildren. She was fond of hot fudge sundaes, going out to eat at Dairyland (they will sorely miss her chats and smiling face), Applebee’s, and Culver’s, and making peach, apple, and cherry pies to freeze for the following year. Family and friends coveted her strawberry pies. Canning tomatoes was a favorite fall tradition of Vi’s, and her tomatoes provided comfort to carry us through the winter.


Viola is survived by her daughter, Diane (Jack) Zimmer; three sons, Steven (Marilyn Durham) Feia, Duane (Susie) Feia and Mark Feia; daughter-in-law, Betty Feia; eight grandchildren, Allison (Jamie) LaCourt, Ashley (James) Gesicki, Erik Feia, Tonya (Joe) Howe, Brent (Lauren) Zimmer, Kristie (Matt) Parker, Ryan (Annika) Feia and Brittany Feia; and 17 great-grandchildren, Rowan and Anna Gesicki; Ayla Feia; Nelson, Nolan, Brendan, and Kaelyn Howe; Austin, Braeden, and Jack Zimmer; Ella, Makayla, JJ and Jayceton LaCourt; Addison, Cora, and Hudson Parker; and sister-in-law, Joyce Davis.


She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence Feia; son, David Feia; sister, Virginia (Roland) Edwards; two brothers, Louie Davis and Ray Davis; and grandson, Brandon Feia.


In keeping with Viola's wishes, no services will be held although Vi did want us to have a celebration of life. Friends and family are welcome. If you are able, please come and enjoy reflecting upon Vi's very long life. The celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the VFW DAY POST 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison. Come prepared to share your stories.


In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org/givenow). Vi was especially passionate about suicide prevention and mental health. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


Events

18
Visitation
Sun Dec 18, 2022 @ 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
VFW Post 7591 • 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Viola
No photos of Viola have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Viola
TG
Timothy Goad
Other •
I have spent countless hours talking to Vi at the back fence corner over the years. We both loved to watch our gardens grow, share stories (including her work for the war effort), and gardening tips. She always brightened our day and will be sorely missed. I’ll especially miss her great big HI TIM! With heartfelt condolences, the Goad’s.
GW
Gloria Wolff
Other •
Loved working with Vi making Christmas wreaths. She was the spark of the group. Always brought in her homemade treats for our coffee breaks. Loved visiting with Vi at her home. She always was proud to show us things in her home that meant a lot to her. Loved talking about her family and grandkids. She was an excellent seamstress. Will miss you Vi. Gloria Wolff
DP
David Privett
Other •
Vi and Larry were like an Aunt and an Uncle in the neighborhood. They were super neighbors and close friends with my parents. They led a full an active life. They both are already sorely missed. David Privett
DB
Debbie Beich
Other •
Duane, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Your Mom always had some wonderful treat when we were at your house as kids. I cannot count the number of clothes she made/altered for me. She continued to up until the early 2000's. She was a wonderful person to chat with. She will be missed. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
CT
Connie Thornburg
Other •
I lived across the street from Vi for many years. She was a angel on earth. She will be missed by many. Rest in peace dear one.
TL
Therese Lawler
Other •
This woman totally amazed me! Vi was my "go to" seamstress who would help me when I needed guidance for sewing projects. The last time I needed her help, she told me to come over and there she was "axing" some kindling in the house! I could hardly believe she was handling that ax so expertly! Thank you for all your help through the years, Vi! We'll miss you. Therese Lawler

Share memorial