Viola R. Berquist
December 28, 1907-June 4, 2008
Viola R. Berquist, 100, of S.R. 23 in South Bend, formerly of Niles, MI, died following an extended illness at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday, June 4th, 2008, in Sterling House of South Bend.
Mrs. Berquist was born on December 28, 1907, in Ganges, Michigan, to Frank H. and Myrtie (Lockhart) Sill. She had lived in this area since 1929. She was a graduate of Flint High School. Viola was previously employed at the Chamber of Commerce in Niles and Traveler's Insurance in South Bend.
Viola was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Niles and its Women's Bible Study, as well as the Fernwood Botanic Garden and Nature Center in Niles. She volunteered with the Pawating Auxiliary at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles and Meals on Wheels. At the age of 73 she was the librarian for Healthwin Hospital in South Bend. She enjoyed playing bridge and taking classes in drawing and watercolors.
On August 4, 1929, in South Bend, she married Leonard G. Berquist, who preceded her in death on May 2, 1983.
Mrs. Berquist is survived by her daughters, Constance (Edward) Thorpe of South Bend and Lynn (Thomas) Scott of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Linda (Thomas) Thorpe Gordon, Thomas (Mary) Thorpe, Bruce Thorpe, Brian (Judi) Berquist, Lisa (William) Berquist-Shestowsky, Gretchen Berquist, Stacie Barrow, Lorraine (Michael) Robbins-Dye and Sallie (Michael) Vanasdale; great-grandchildren, Leigh Ann and Scott Thorpe Jeffers, Edward, Grant and Christine Gordon, Chad Travis and Brandon Thorpe, Victoria Barrow, Sean Robbins, Rylan, Nikki and Kate Vanasdale; two nieces, Marsha Lantero and Charlotte Williams; and a nephew, Richard Dietz.
Viola was also preceded in death by her son, David Lee Berquist, who died April 20, 2006; and a brother, Harry Sill, who died in December 1928.
The funeral service for Viola R. Berquist will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 12th, at the graveside at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, with Rev. Janet Van Lear of the First Presbyterian Church, Niles, officiating. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements were made by the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.
Contributions in memory of Viola R. Berquist may be made to the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church in Niles or to the Fernwood Botanic Garden and Nature Center, Niles.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown