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

Viola Feia

February 25, 1926 - October 29, 2022

Share photos of Viola