Wilma R. Violet

Wilma R. Violet was born in Tonganoxie, Kansas on July 13, 1918, to William and Mary Papenhausen. She passed away peacefully at her home at Silvergate on November 6, 2011. She was raised in Kansas City and graduated from Kansas City Teachers School, now the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She spent her early teaching years in Kansas City where she met and married her husband, John L. Violet, on January 10, 1942.

In the summer of 1953 they moved to Fallbrook. She spent her first year teaching in Vista, and in 1954 Wilma began teaching in Fallbrook. Wilma taught fifth grade for two years and then in 1956 she helped found Potter Junior High School where she taught until her retirement in 1976.

In retirement following the death of her husband in 1980, Wilma was active in numerous organizations. She was elected to a term on the Fallbrook Union Elementary School Board from 1984 to 1988. She volunteered with the Laubach Literacy organization and the Angel Society’s Angel Shop along with being an active member of the Fallbrook United Methodist Church. She was also active in the Palomar Chapter of the Ninety Nines having earned her private pilot’s license 1966. Lastly, she was an active member of the North County Chapter of Retired Teachers.

Wilma enjoyed her many travels with her dear friends Tom and Virginia Green and her many open ended freighter cruises with her sister, Virginia Filkin. She had a passion for bridge and usually played twice every week including the day before her latest stroke. She also became a computer geek at the age of 91, when she mastered the Apple iPad to send and receive emails, read books and play Scrabble.

In addition to being predeceased by her parents, husband, and sister, she was also predeceased by her grandson, John David Violet, in 1989. She is survived by her sons John (Marie) Violet of Belmont, Calif. and Mark (Mary) Violet of Riverside. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Jennifer (Michael) Violet Kennedy of San Leandro, Calif. and her two great-grandchildren, Keira and Landon.

There will be a memorial service at Fallbrook United Methodist Church on Friday, November 11, at 2 pm. The family suggests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the Fallbrook United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 1844 Winterhaven Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028.