Viola "Vi" Michalczyk, 94, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 13, 2013 surrounded by her family. Viola was a 58 year resident of Ventura County.
Born November 19, 1918 in Shoaf Pennsylvania, Viola was raised in Cleveland, Ohio where she met and married her husband if 53 years, Eugene "Gene" Michalczyk. Together they moved Wet, first to El Paso, Texas and eventually settling in Southern California. She ran the home and raised the family.
Despite early obstacles in pursuing education, she developed an early love of reading and acquiring knowledge of current events, and was profoundly committed to education. she took an early role in the Foundation for the Junior Blind. She was committed to helping those set upon by fate, particularly Multiple handicapped children.
Upon Gene's retirement, Viola indulged one of her great passions, travel. She cruised the high seas numerous times and traveled around the world. Along with her husband, she also enjoyed years of traveling in her motorhome, particularly enjoying motorhome club outings.
A devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, Viola always put family and friends first. she had a deep devotion to her Catholic faith and great pride in her Polish heritage. she helped found and later led as its president, the local chapter of he Polish National Alliance. She approached life with a joyful spirit and embraced all those around her. She was known for her passion for excellence and worked tirelessly to help others reach their full potential. her sense of humor, her desire to help others, and will to live kept her family, extended family, and friends, as well as those with whom she came in contact, in awe.
Viola is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Vicki Michalczyk of Sebastopol California; a son and daughter in law Jeffrey and Dori Michalczyk of Ventura; daughter and son-in-law Mark and Teresa Sohn, grandson Ryan Sohn and granddaughter Jessica Sohn also of Ventura.
She is predeceased in Heaven by her husband, Eugene and her children, Evelyn, Charles, and David.
Family and Friends are invited to visiting hours Monday evening August 19, 2013 from 6 to 8pm with a Rosary at 7pm in the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home 757 E. Main Street Ventura. Funeral Mass Tuesday August 20, 2013 at 10AM at Sacred Heart Church, Saticoy followed by interment in Santa Paula Cemetery. www.reardonfuneral.com