VIOLA NELL SMALL

Small, Viola Nell, of Santa Ana, age 87, entered into Eternal Rest March 19th, 2013 from complications of a stroke. Surviving immediate family members include her one true love and husband of 63 years, Wayne Lewis Small, her only son, Bruce Charles Small and loving daughter-in-law, Denise Anne Small. Extended family include many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. She was born in Los Angeles in 1925, moved to Newport Beach as a child with her parents, Bruce Charles Carpenter and Nellie Mae Carpenter (both deceased), and her sisters, Gertrude and Rosella (also deceased). She graduated from Newport Harbor High School, worked as a librarian clerk typist at the Santa Ana Army Air Base and the Newport Beach City Library. She met her husband to be in Corona Del Mar California during a YMCA/YWCA beach party. They were married in Newport Beach at St. James Episcopal Church in 1950 and became residents of Santa Ana. They moved to Moorehead City in North Carolina during her husband's 2 year military service with the Marine Corp at Cherry Point Marine Air Station, where she also worked as a civilian navy clerk typist. They then returned to Santa Ana and had one son in 1958 and started raising a family, remaining home as a housewife and mother. She served as a Santa Ana School District Volunteer Librarian, Parent Teacher Association member, Cub Scout Den Mother and Trainer, Santa Ana High School Booster Club Fundraiser, founding member of the Historic French Park Homeowners Association Board and owned 4 historic homes, was a fundraiser and member of the Old Orange County Courthouse Restoration Association. She went back to school in the 1970's and graduated from Santa Ana College with a business degree, becoming a business owner with Small's Guest Home and Apartments. She loved to paint china. She loved cats, sometimes owning 7 or more. She also loved the beaches of California and the West Coast. She loved to dance with her husband whenever they heard big band/swing bands and music, and also square dancing with the Disneyland Squares Group. She played the piano, made scrapbooks and collected newspaper articles and enjoyed photography. She also loved to cook pies. She was a member of the HomeBuilder's Sunday School Group at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at her home in 1984. Now she is free of all her aches and pains, residing in Heaven with God, and those who have gone before. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held Monday, March 25th at Fairhaven Memorial Park in the Fairhaven Chapel, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue in Santa Ana. Viewing 1 p.m-3 p.m, Memorial Service 3 p.m- 4p.m, Graveside Service 4 p.m. FairhavenMemorial.com