Violet Kalil Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Wasik Funeral Home - Shelby Township on Dec. 11, 2025.
Violet Rose "Dolly" Kalil was born on March 18, 1936, the youngest daughter of the late George and Lydia (Masrua) Shaway. She passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8th, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and extended family, as she entered into the loving arms of Our Lord.
On August 27, 1961, Dolly married the love of her life, Michael Elias Kalil. Together, they shared 53 beautiful years, raising their children and later delighting in the joy of their grandchildren, until Michael's passing on September 1, 2014.
A lifelong member of Our Lady of Redemption Church, Dolly was deeply committed to her faith and to her church community. She was an active member of the Ladies Society and the Seniors Club, and alongside her husband, devoted many years to parish festivals and numerous church functions.
As a young woman, Dolly began her career at Hudson's downtown. When her children were young, she worked from home as a bookkeeper, later transitioning to Heslops before returning to Hudson's to join the bridal registry department. She loved assisting young brides-to-be in selecting china patterns and household items, taking pride in helping them prepare for their new lives.
Dolly's greatest passion was time spent with her family and friends. She loved traveling, playing cards, and was lovingly known as the Backgammon Queen. She was also known for her competitive nature, adventurous spirit, and clever euphemisms and idioms. She was famous for her Tata Cheese and began the family's long-running tradition of a Christmas sing-along. She enjoyed cruises, summers up north at Houghton Lake, and countless gatherings filled with laughter and love.
Over the past two years, Dolly faced numerous health challenges, yet she fought bravely to maintain her independence. What gave her strength each day were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless joy to her life.
Dolly will be remembered for her faith, her warmth, her resilience, and the love she poured into every moment with her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in all who were blessed to know her.
She is the beloved wife of the late Michael Kalil. Loving mother of Karen Natale, Kathy Elriachi, Michael (Najat) Kalil, and Paul (Crystal) Kalil. Adored Tata of Philippe, Anthony (Rebecca), Adam (Mary), Sarah (Andrew), Morgan, Grace (Matthew), Michael, Noah, Rebecca (Mike), Alexander, Anna, Luke, Emma, and Olivia. Also very proud great grandma "Tata Dolly" of Jamie, Christopher and Charlie. Dolly was preceeded in death by her siblings John "Habib" (the late Josephine) Shaway, Mary (the late Joseph) Asher, and George (the late Louise) Shaway. Visitation Tuesday 2-9 PM with a 7 PM Rosary and Trisagion prayer at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc. 49150 Schoenherr Rd. (n. of 22 Mile Rd.), Shelby Twp. Instate Wednesday 10 AM until 11 AM Funeral Service at the funeral home. Dolly will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dolly's memory may be directed to Our Lady of Redemption Church 29293 Lorraine, Warren, Michigan 48093