Kohli, Violet Evelyn (nee Keffer) – Passed away on April 26th, 2011 at St. Luke’s Place, Cambridge in her 105th year. Vi was a lifelong resident of Hespeler, except for five years in Brantford pursuing her nursing career. She was the fourth of eight children born to Mary Alice (West) and Ephraim Mager Keffer. Her mother had emigrated from Yorkshire as a child, and her father was part of a large pioneer family with roots in Pennsylvania. Born January 17th, 1907, Vi experienced a life that ranged from trips in horse drawn sleighs and “carryalls”, to flights on jet planes. As a young person, Vi enjoyed being a part of community pageants, and sports such as baseball, basketball, tennis and skating. In 1928, she enrolled as a student nurse in Brantford General Hospital, and upon achieving Registered Nurse status, stayed on in Brantford to do Special Duty. Jobs were scarce in those early years of the Great Depression, but a couple of long term assignments in private homes in Brantford gave her two years of financial independence and experience in her chosen field. She returned to Hespeler after marrying Edward Kohli (“Eddie”) in St. George, Ont., in May of 1933. And so began another great love — her home and family. Her three children, John (Jack) now of Ottawa, Frank of Waterloo and Joyce of Cambridge share warm memories of a clean orderly home where the smells of homemade coffee cakes, pies, cookies, etc. were weekly occurrences. In the mid ‘50s, Vi was seeking an additional interest and challenge, and returned to her nursing career, this time on a part-time basis, at Galt (later Cambridge) Memorial Hospital. She continued to be a part of that staff until 1976. Vi was a longtime member of the United Church of Canada, first at the Hespeler Methodist Church, which later became Hespeler United and later still St. Luke’s. She had a long association with the choir being a strong alto voice in choir, duets and trios, and as a member of a ladies choral group. After moving to St. Luke’s Place at its opening, Vi sang for many years with their choir, as well as taking an active role in their drama club and library committee. With more leisure time, she allowed herself an interest in less practical pursuits such as oil painting and ceramics. Each grandchild has a sample of those pursuits as a memento. Following Eddie’s early death in 1970, after just 37 years of marriage, Vi traveled with sisters or other family to California, Hawaii, England, Scotland and Yugoslavia, as well as coast to coast in Canada. Up until age 90, Vi was a dynamo of energy and enthusiasm. Her ten grandchildren have memories of her singing and playing the piano, playing catch, acting as goalie on backyard rinks, being a willing participant in walks and sightseeing, and playing pool and snooker at St. Luke’s. She continued her snooker pursuits into her 90s. Siblings Alvin, Eve, Grace, Alberta, Eleanor, Elsie and Edwin predeceased her. She is survived by 13 nieces and nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Left to mourn her loss and to celebrate her life is her son John, his wife Jean (Picken) and their children Chris (daughters Chelsea and Shannon); Brett (children Tom, Joanna, Jack and Samantha); Barbara (Doug) Gray (sons Joe and Allan); and Allan (Linda) and their daughters Erin and Georgia; son Frank, his wife Marjorie (Edwards) and their children Jennifer and Mark (daughter Madison); daughter Joyce, her husband Jack (Ward) and their children Gwen (Dave) Armshaw and their sons Eric and Edward; Jamie (sons Aedan, Colm and Rory); Amy Ward Worth (children Garrett and Laura) and Robin (Thomas) Knight (daughters Bronwen, Madelyn, Piper and Rowen) — ten grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren in all! Thanks to Dr. Skillman and the staff of St. Luke’s for their kind and competent care over the years of Violet’s declining health. Cremation has already taken place. A private memorial service will be held later. If you wish, donations in her memory may be made to St. Luke’s Place Foundation. Condolences/Donations/Directions: (519) 658-9366
www.lounsburyfuneralhome.com
