Violet A. Elli

Violet Elli, 86, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024. She was born on June 15, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Stanley and Anna Dargis, Lithuanian immigrants. Violet was the beloved wife of the late Robert Elli, and together they shared a lifetime of love and companionship.

Violet attended Maria High School in Chicago and worked various jobs before meeting Robert at a young adult church retreat, where he was a youth leader. They fell in love and built a life together, raising 12 children. A dedicated and loving mother, Violet also found time to contribute to her community, writing for local newspapers in Palos Heights and participating in numerous organizations. She was a leader in groups such as the Orland Historical Society, Palos Historical Society, and the Town and Country Art League. She also helped with the care of the John Humphrey House and supported her husband’s involvement in the VFW.

As her children grew older, Violet began working at Sears in the children’s department, always bringing home the newest clothes or video game systems for her family. She had a passion for learning and was deeply engaged in nature, history, and art. She loved going on bird walks and even participated in amateur archaeology with the South Suburban Archaeological Society. An artist at heart, she took classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and regularly explored historical sites, particularly Native American ones, to learn about the area's rich past.

A devout Catholic, Violet was an active member of St. Michael’s Parish and often brought communion to the sick or homebound in her community. She was generous and kind, always organizing celebrations for her family and ensuring everyone felt loved and cared for. Her home was the center of joyful gatherings, especially on holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, where there was always an abundance of food, warmth, and love.

Violet is survived by her daughters, Gabrielle Valdivia (Michael), Angelique DeJulia (Joseph), and Nicolette Elli; her sons, Robert Elli, Derek Elli (fiancée Marysia), Joel Elli, Anton Elli, Shawn Elli, Chad Elli, Erin Elli, Brendan Elli (Amy), and Scott Elli; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Jeremy Minnick, Christine Minnick, Giosue DeJulia, Aaron Elli (Tamon), Ryan Elli, Darin Elli, Allison Shanabrook (Andy), Alexandria Elli, and Victor Elli.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Anna Dargis, her husband Robert Elli, and her granddaughter Molly Elli. Violet's memory will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.