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Violet E. Fiske

Violet Fiske Obituary

FISKE, Violet E.
Aug 29, 1918-Jan 20, 2006
She was born Violet Eleanora, but the world knew her simply as "Vi." Originally from Massachusetts of Finnish heritage, she lived in New York and Connecticut before settling down for the last 18 years of her life in Sacramento to be close to her children, who had moved west. Vi was widowed twice. With her first husband, John Saari, she bore her children, Ilona and Robert, and raised them in Bayside, NY. She worked in advertising on Madison Avenue, then married Bob Fiske and returned to New England, where she ran a successful boutique. Vi was a girl scout leader, bowler, golfer, music lover and theatre lover, and in fact met her first husband while acting in a local theatre company in New York. But what gave her the greatest pleasure was being mom to her children, and to her ever-growing extended family, most of whom called her "Auntie Vi," whether related or not. An avid reader, she loved history and poetry, and grew up on a farm that was once owned by the family of Emily Dickinson. Dickinson and Robert Frost, two of New England's finest poets, remained her favorites throughout her life. She also loved to cook, and shared recipes with anyone who wanted them. Being Finnish, there were many turnips that surrendered to her culinary whims, and her Ranger cookies soothed stomachs from coast to coast. Vi touched everyone she met with her spirit, her vitality and her passion. tier mega-watt smile lit up whatever room she was in. As she passes on, her spirit and that smile will always be treasured by her extended and immediate family...including her son and daughter-in-law Robert and Nguyen Saari of Sacramento, her daughter and son-in-law Ilona Saari and Richard Camp of Los Angeles, and her step-grandchildren Hoang Stein and Nha Kim. Anyone wishing to honor her life can do so by making a donation to Meals on Wheels in Vi's name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jan. 25, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Violet Fiske

20 Entries

David Dahlheimer

February 9, 2006

My grandmother,T.Ennequess(Frigard) was Aunt Vi's sister.I met Aunt Vi once years ago at my mother and fathers house in Laconia,NH.The family enjoyed an afternoon on our back deck. It was very apparent the sisters were enjoying there time together. I do remember aunt Vi's laugh, very infectious.It was remarkable to me how similar it was to grandmothers. After reading Richard's coments in the obituary I could apply some of the traits to my grandmother. They both shared loves for family,cooking and music. All our lives become so busy and our perspectives loose acuity. Aunt Vi and grandmother I will remember as the ties that bind our lives in spirit. Being so far from family and friends at the moment one can at times be remiss with our reaching out to stay in touch. These sentements on her life fill me with pride and respect for a life truely lived. My condolances to the family and friends of Aunt Vi, you all will be in my thoughts.

David Dahlheimer

Ilona Juhola Cox

February 6, 2006

Years and years ago, Aunt Vi gave me an adorable zippered pouch that had the prettiest quilted design on it. It was the perfect fit for my makeup and little important things that I take with me when I travel, and I have used it ever since. It's perfect and lovely and I think of her often when I use it. I'm not sure if that little story has much of a point or brings any comfort (as much as a story about a makeup bag can), but I wanted to llustrate that Auntie Vi is always in my thoughts.

All my love to Ilona and Bob,

The Other Ilona

Dave and Beckie Davis

February 6, 2006

Ilona and Richard,

It's never easy. Celebrate the times and memories you had. Maybe our Moms can get together and enjoy each others company. All our Love. The BDs

Daniel Davis

February 5, 2006

Ilona,Angie and I just wanted to say again,sorry for your loss of your mother,I know its tuff but its moms new begining.we love you.Danny and Angie.

Larry Camp

February 5, 2006

Ilona,

Very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I wish I would have gotten the chance to share her smile.

Sunset Beach, Vancouver, 2-28-06

Dan Fairchild

February 2, 2006

Ilona:
I knew your mom only through your writing and conversations, but those were enough for me to mourn her passing. On the 28th, I wrote her name before the coming tide, to celebrate her life and remember her death. A warm embrace as you mourn your mom,

Dan

Mike & Kathi Frigard

February 1, 2006

Dear Ilona and Bob: Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother, always known to us as Aunt Vi. Although we had not seen each other for many years, we thought of her often. It's difficult to say good bye to the last of my Father's sisters and brothers, of which there were so many. I believe the last times we met were at Dad's and then Mom's funerals, at which time she passed on to us much of the family history. I still have those notes and will treasure them always. May she rest in peace with all her sisters and brothers.

Kathryn Wallack

February 1, 2006

Dear Ilona

I was so sorry to hear of your loss.

I know how close you and your mother were and how hard it is especially when you have such a wonderful relationship. Please find comfort in your memories and know she will be with you always. With love, Kathy

Maris Clement

January 30, 2006

Dear Ilona: I didn't know your mother. However reading Richard's tribute to her, I can understand how she contributed to you and your brother's life and still had love left over for everyone she knew. She sounds like an extraordinary woman and mother.

Elaine Juhola

January 30, 2006

Ilona & Richard

What a beautiful tribute to the wonderful person we all know and love as " Aunt Vi". Thank you for including me in your notice. I will always remember Vi fondly.

Judy Goldberg

January 29, 2006

Ilona & Richard, I am sorry for your loss. Vi is always there when you least suspect. Listen in the quiet moments, you will hear her.

With Much Love

Taylor Horowitz

Sheilah and Jack Dahlheimer

January 29, 2006

A final tribute to our family (Frigard) matriarch - the last of the original fabulous Finns. She cooked, cuddled, and coddled us from our beginnings, coast to coast, always encouraging us towards fulfilling who we were, as individuals. Proud to be kin, Sheilah Violet Enneguess.

Sandra (Frigard) Lewin

January 29, 2006

Aunt Vi was a very special person in our lives.We fondly called her our gypsy aunt for her vibrant personality.Our sincere sympathy to Ilona and Robert and their families.

Lynda Sparrow

January 29, 2006

Dear Ilona,

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Vi. From Richard's beautiful and loving tribute, I know she will be missed by many and that they will encircle you and your brother with love and sympathy.

May time bring you comfort.

With love and condolences,

Lynda

Julie Levine

January 29, 2006

Dear Ilona,

What a beautiful tribute Richard wrote to your mom. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

With love,

Julie

Gary and Kathy Young

January 29, 2006

We always enjoyed lengthy conversations with Vi at Christmas, and we'll never forget her special relationship with our daughter, Robyn, who at age seven (give or take) was never at a loss to give Vi advice. Vi's loving reaction (and rejection of the advice) endeared her to us all the more. Her magnetism will be missed. When we hug Ilona, we'll be hugging Vi as well.

Cindra Ladd

January 29, 2006

Dearest Ilona,

I's so sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts and love are with you.

Cindra

Wendy McKeon

January 29, 2006

We are so saddened to hear of "Auntie Vi's" passing.

I was just a newborn when my parents moved into the "upstairs apartment" in her and Uncle Johnny's house in Bayside, New York...That was 55 years ago.

I will always remember her sparkling blue eyes, beaming smile and infectious laugh...

Our sincerest sympathy to Ilona and Robert and their families.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Jule Selbo

January 29, 2006

Richard's tribute to Vi in the Sacramento newspaper is a perfect chronicle of a well-spent life. I am glad I got to spend some Christmasses and holidays with her force... am the better person for it. She's lighting up another world now - have fun Vi. Jule Selbo

Candace Anderson

January 29, 2006

Sleep tight Vi, we will miss you, but will remember you always. We will care for Ilona, along with all her friends to help her get through your passing.

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