Adva J. Volle

Adva Jean Volle (née Runnels), age 93, of Avon, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in the morning hours of February 8, 2026.

Born on October 16, 1932, in Magee, Mississippi, Adva was the daughter of Vardeman and Virgie Runnels. She grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and the spirited companionship of her three beloved sisters. Their bond-rooted in shared stories, mischievous humor, and unwavering support-remained one of the great joys of her life. Adva is survived by her sisters Katherine McCarley (97), Virginia "Jenny" Burchfield (95), and Mary Jo Wedgeworth (90), each of whom she treasured deeply. A true Southern belle at heart, Adva carried herself with a timeless grace and warmth that made others feel welcome in her presence. Her gentle strength, quiet resilience, and innate kindness touched all who were fortunate enough to know her. Whether through her easy smile, her thoughtful words, or her heartfelt generosity, Adva brought comfort and light wherever she went. Her life was defined by deep family love, steadfast faith, and an enduring capacity for joy. She will be remembered with gratitude, cherished for her spirit, and missed beyond measure.

In 1952, Adva met and married, Robert Leon Volle, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Together they built a life and family. She was a loving wife and a dedicated mother to her five children: L. Michelle Borden, Robert Volle (Jr.) (Beth), Stephen J. Volle, PhD, Lisa Volle, PhD, and John Volle (Maria). While Robert Sr. passed away in 2021, he left behind 5 devoted children to her.

Due to Robert's work, the family lived in many places over the years, including New Orleans (twice), Kansas, Philadelphia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Texas, and ultimately returning to Connecticut, where they settled in Avon for the third time. No matter where she lived, Adva invested herself fully in her community. She sang in church choirs, the Hartford Chorale, and the Salado Community Choir; volunteered by driving elderly neighbors to medical appointments in Avon; and provided compassionate hospice care in Avon, Connecticut, and Morgantown, West Virginia. She also served as a nursery school teacher at West Avon Congregational Church and later worked at the Avon Medical Group as a physician's assistant.

Adva found joy in life's simple and meaningful pleasures. She loved swimming, quilting and sewing, playing the piano, reading novels, taking short walks, bird watching, and tending to the flowers on her porch and in Texas, the peach trees. She cherished time with her beloved animals-Terry, Emma, Katie, Annie, and Holly-and delighted in family picnics, cookouts, gatherings, and movie nights, especially watching CSI with Mark Harmon. Card games with family and friends brought her great happiness.

She enjoyed travel throughout her life, visiting family in Mississippi and in Pennsylvania, exploring many places across the United States, and traveling internationally to London, Canada, Israel, Japan, Spain, France, the Mexican border, and Egypt.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Adva attended countless events in her children's lives and took immense pride in her family. She is survived by her grandchildren: Catherine Volle, PhD; Zachery Borden (Meghan); David Volle (Laura); Sara Volle; Alyssa Volle; Robert Frick-Volle (Kaci); and Bradley Borden. Biscuits! She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren: Chase Cavanna. and twins Athena and Atlas Volle. Each knew her tenderness, playful spirit, and sense of fun, and each carries forward cherished memories made with her.

Adva was preceded in death by dear friends Nick and Jule Conicella, Mike and Juanita Bowles, and Oggie Pappano. She is survived by her cherished friend MaryAnn Pappano, as well as wonderful neighbors and church families who enriched her life.

As Adva touched our hearts, minds, and lives, her spirit lives on within us. Her soul is now reunited with her parents, her beloved husband, and dear friends, resting in peace and grace.

Adva's family would like to thank Dorothy, Sophia, Faith, Terri, Opal and Omar and the Litchfield Visiting Nurses for their dedication in caring for our mother.