Obituary of Viola (Manella) Smith, Jozwiak
Viola (Manella) "Smith" Jozwiak, 97, of Albion NY, passed away early Monday morning, May 18, 2020, after a short battle with the COVID-19 virus. Vi was born November 7, 1922 to Gabe and Kate (Licursi) Manella in Albion NY, and lived here all of her life.
Vi was predeceased by her parents, her husband Art "Smith" Jozwiak, her sister Mildred (Manella) Hayden, her brother Leon "Gags" Manella, and her nephew Michael Manella. She is survived by her nephews Richard Hayden of LeRoy NY, Stephen (Patty) Manella of Westhampton NY and Gary (Joanie) Manella Wood of Albion NY; nieces Kathy Sauer of Tonawanda NY and Karen Manella of Sarasota FL/Albion NY; great nephews Stephen (Heather) Manella of Albion NY, Michael (Brittany) Manella of Norman OK, Stephen Lee (Brenda) Manella of Mannerville NY, and Jake Manella of Westhampton NY; great nieces Christi (Mason) Waldron of LeRoy NY, Tracy Larish of Depew NY and Leighann Sauer of Buffalo NY; great-great nieces and nephews Danielle, Kayla, Maxx, Roman, Hudson, and Phoenix; several cousins, including Peter (Gloria) Monacelli of Rochester NY, and her much loved godson David Snell of Albion NY.
After graduating from Albion High School, Vi went to work at Walter's Dress Shop in town and when the dress shop closed she went to work at The Corner Pharmacy a few doors down, where she worked for many years until they closed. She was going to retire then, but her friend asked her to come work at her women's clothing shop downtown, The Foxy Lady, where she worked part time for several years.
In retirement, Vi volunteered on the Bereavement Committee at St Joseph's Catholic Church, and also volunteered as a Friend of The Swan Library. She cherished time with her dear friends Irene, Roz, Michelle, and many others having coffee, taking walks, and shopping. Vi could be seen every day walking downtown to the Savings and Loan (she still called it that although the name had changed years ago!) mainly just to visit with Pam and the girls there who were all so wonderful to her, and to Fischer's Newsroom to see Gary and Denise and get her paper - the Courier Express back in the day (her sister's husband was the editor), and then later the Buffalo News. How she loved her paper....and socializing!
Vi married Art "Smith" Jozwiak in 1948 and they shared 61 years of a full and fun life of dancing, golfing, bowling and traveling. They were known in town by many for their dancing. They loved their trips, especially with her sister Millie and her family in earlier years, and later to Biloxi MS to see her sister-in-law Camille and her niece and nephews. Vi and Art loved going to Biloxi with its nightlife, golfing, the pool, and the beach. Vi loved the Buffalo Bills and often in earlier years, she would have so much fun attending the games with her beloved sister-in-law Marion Theodorakos.
Later in life she was able to take several more trips with her niece Karen to Sarasota Florida to visit her sister-in-law and also a visit back again to Biloxi. Everyone who met her on these trips just fell in love with her.
In 2013, Vi became a resident of the Villages of Orleans, where she lived out the remainder of her life, spreading much joy to the residents and employees alike with her fun and feisty personality. At 97 she was still walking all around the place bringing smiles to everyone. A special thank you to the nurses and aides and all the employees at the Villages who loved her and assisted in her care.
Vi will be greatly missed by special friends and family and all who knew and loved her. Fly high Aunt Vi. We miss you so much already.
Vi's Mass will be held at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph's Church on Friday, August 13, at 10:00am
Memorial contributions in Vi’s name may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd. Albion, NY 14411.
Vi's arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. Albion
To share a special memory of Vi, please visit: mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com