Vi Harasym passed away peacefully in Ottawa at the remarkable age of 98 years. Vi was born on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, the day the First World War ended. It was suggested she be named “Peace”, but the choice “Viola” prevailed. Predeceased by Bill, her husband of 65 years and her grandson David, she leaves an enormous void in the lives of her children Gary (Cathy), Peter (Linda), Lotta (Bruce) and Willa (Paul), and her grandson Chris (Sydney). Vi grew up on a farm eight miles from the small town of Carman, Manitoba during the Depression years. This meant a youth with few extras, if any. It meant horse and buggy transport and a one-room country school three miles from the farm. The highlight of Vi’s young life was the regular Saturday night dances at that one-room school. She prevailed over her difficult beginnings and studied to become a registered nurse. She studied again in mid-life at the University of Ottawa to specialize as a public health nurse. Nursing was her career for over 40 years. Her grandson has continued in the medical profession, having recently become a doctor. In 1946 she married Bill, and together they raised and successfully launched we four children, offering us all the opportunities that she thought she had missed. Her love of life was reflected in her love of dancing – dancing kept her fit and happy. She country danced, square danced, belly danced, step danced and most of all, over several decades, ballroom danced with her husband. She has passed on this love of dancing to all her children and her grandson. Until her passing, when the music was right, she still managed a step or two with her walker, or in the arms of one of her kids. No doubt by the time you read this, she will be dancing again with her beloved Bill in Heaven. Ours was a wise Mom, filled with determination, love for her family and down to earth common sense. Her stories of her early life were fascinating and inspiring, and were retold many times over many years. The family wishes to recognize the loving care provided in her final years by the staff of Oak Park Retirement Community, as well as her private care givers headed by Mila Camarsi. The Funeral Service for Viola will be held at Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 11 a.m., with reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Society, British Columbia.

Interment will take place at 11:30 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, Carman, Manitoba on August 1, 2017. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Society British Columbia.