Viola Catherina Olivo Evola passed away peacefully Thursday, January 26, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 9, 1925 to the late Jess and Mary (Serritella) Olivo in Chicago, Illinois, she was the eldest of four children. She married Salvatore Christopher Evola on October 13, 1946 and had five children whom she adored.

She is survived by four of her children; Linda Marie Evola, Pamela Evola, Michelle Nierman and Steve Evola (her son Sammy passed away in 1991); six grandchildren whom she loved deeply; Jason Warnke, Ashley Chedwick, Sasha and Christopher Nierman, Steve and Brittany Evola and two great grand children: Kaylee Evola and Kayden Nierman. Also survived by her brother Sam Olivo, brother-in-law Frank Calabretta, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by her loving husband Salvatore (Sam), sister-in-law Josephine, her brother Fr. Steve Olivo and sister Anne Calabretta.

Viola had a love for learning and was a pioneer of her time. She began taking courses in her young adult life and was passionate about any endeavor she was involved in. Viola’s talents were many, she was an aesthetician, became involved in the alternative health care field, she flew to Austria to study specialized massage technique, was an extremely accomplished couture tailor and loved to collect fabric. Her mother-in-law Rose bought her the first sewing machine she had and she was always grateful to her for her love of sewing and teaching her. Her Aunt Anne had been a tailor in Turin, Italy. She never owned a microwave and ate organic most of her life. She studied macrobiotic cooking before anyone knew what it was or its benefits. She was an International host home parent thru Moraine Valley Community College for over 15 years and became a loving family member to dozens of students who lived with her. They relished in her homemade Italian meals nightly and didn’t want to leave at the end of the semester. She took great pride in caring for and teaching them. She was also a very active volunteer at her church St Linus for many years.

She helped and supported her family in every way possible. Her greatest joy was being with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and watching them grow.

Masses will be said for Viola at: St Linus Church 10300 Lawler Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 on Friday, February 3rd at 11:00 am and St. Nicholas Church 24252 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 February 6th at 9:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Viola Evola to Silverado Foundation (hospice) 6400 Oak Canyon, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92618