Terttu Viola Katainen

Viola would have been 88 on September 1st. She had such energy, you would have thought she was at least 20 years younger! Her Sorority sisters continue to honour her memory through the Memorial Fund set up in her name. We miss you, Viola.

On March 10th, 2006, Alpha Iota Sorority lost one of its most admired Sisters when Viola Katainen was called home.



Viola was born outside of Vancouver, British Columbia in the community of Webster's Corners on September 1st, 1918, and upon finishing high school she travelled into Vancouver to attend business college. Upon graduation, she was offered a "temporary" job at a large insurance firm -- and that temporary job lasted forty-five years, until her retirement.



Viola was initiated into Chi Zeta Chapter on October 23rd, 1945, and was an active member for over sixty years. She held almost every office in the Chapter and, in later years, ran the auctions at Business Meetings and was on the Election Committee.



Although she was the consummate professional in both her Sorority and working lives, she will be most remembered for her warmth, grace and charm. She never had an unkind word to say about anyone, and elevated any occasion to a special event just by her presence. Her sense of style was legendary yet understated, and she carried herself with a quiet confidence that spoke of her strength of character.



Viola had a zest for life and a passion for the arts. She was an avid supporter of the Symphony and the ballet, as well as plays and musicals, and loved to share her experiences with her Sorority sisters.



Viola will be missed by all, but she will never be forgotten. Chi Zeta has set up the Viola Katainen Memorial Fund, with a scholarship in her memory rotating between BC Ballet, the Cinderella Project, and a Fashion & Design school. It will be an enduring way to honour a great lady who touched so many lives.

What a gracious and lovely lady she was. Truly a wonderful tribute to Alpha Iota.

Viola graced our family's life with her kindness,elegance and charm. She has been my sorority sister for 48 years, and it has been my priviledge to have known this splendid lady. To Viola's family, we hope that the wonderful life Viola led with such glamorous zest provides both comfort and happy memories. It was indeed a life well led. She is not gone-she is just away.

With our Deepest Sympathy- Bette, Ray, Randy, Rick and Rodney Bruno.

Viola was such a friendly, delightful and beautiful lady and I will miss her friendship very much.

Viola was a very kind, joyful & wonderful person. I had known Viola since she shared an apt. with my cousins, Marianne & Joannie Ray in the Westend of Vancouver in the 1940's.

My sincere sympathy to you all. May all the fond memories you have help you during this difficult time.



I met Viola nine years ago when I joined Chi Zeta Alumnae, Alpha Iota Sorority. She was a beautiful lady and always so fashionably dressed. Viola was a delight to be with and we shared our views of the many musical events we both attended.



I am grateful she was part of my life and will miss her presence at our meetings and social functions.

My Heartfelt sympathy goes out to Viol's family and friends. She was my Sorority Sister for 54 years, and words cannot describe how much I will miss her influence in my life. She was an outstanding gracious women, who had such varied enthusastic interests in every thing she did. Wherever she went she left her imprint on everyones lives - forever. Rest peacefully my friend.

It has been an absolute delight to have known Viola - she was a wonderful woman with an elegance and charm that very few can emulate. How proud I am to have been a Sorority Sister to Viola - she will be missed, so very much, and never ever forgotten by those she touched with her lovely smile and soft spoken words. May she Rest in Peace.

My Deepest Sympathy to Viola's family for her loss. I grew up in Corners and knew her all my life. She was always such kind, friendly person. She will be missed very much

Viola's style, charm and grace have been a part of my life for 15 years, ever since I joined Chi Zeta Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Iota Sorority. She was always so kind and caring to everyone, and we all wanted to be like Viola when we "grew up". Although she is missed by all, we are thankful her journey home was a short one.

"...when someone dies, you don't get over it' by forgetting; you 'get over it' by remembering, and by remembering you are aware that no person is ever truly lost or gone once they have been in our lives and loved us, as we have loved them."



Because of previous plans I greatly regret that I will not be at her memorial - she was a lovely lady and always a joy to talk to.