Obituary of Viola Tyrrell

Viola passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Parkwood Mennonite Home, Weber Woods, at the age of 90. Predeceased in 2014 by her beloved husband of 59 years, Desmond Tyrrell. Loving Mother to Deborah Tyrrell and Rebecca Byerlay (Tyrrell), and her husband Dave and awesome Grandma to John, Ryan and Jordan. Predeceased by her siblings: Pauline Small, Wray Pursley, Douglas Pursley and Betty Long. Survived by her in-laws Joan Pursley, Marvin Long, Fred and Fay Tyrrell, Robert and Joan Tyrrell, Jessie Tyrrell and beloved nieces and nephews.  

Vi grew up in the Port Dover area on a farm and moved to the city of Hamilton to attend the Hamilton Normal School to obtain her Elementary Teacher’s Certificate and began her teaching career in 1953.  She loved teaching Grade 1 as she delighted in seeing children learn to read and write.  She taught 14 years with the Board of Education for the City of Hamilton.  When the family moved to Waterloo Region in 1978, Vi returned to the classroom after staying home with her young daughters, with the Waterloo Region District School Board as an Occasional Teacher.   Vi was an active member of Benton Street Baptist Church, Kitchener for many years.   Vi had many interests: cooking, baking, canning, crafting, playing games, attending concerts and watching sports.  She was an avid fan of the Hamilton Tiger Cats and the Toronto Blue Jays–especially Bo Bichette!!  Vi loved spending time at the family cottage with family and friends, enjoying boating, fishing, picnicking out by the shoals, and admiring the beautiful view of Bayfield Inlet, Georgian Bay. 

Vi enjoyed her last couple of years at Weber Woods.  She loved the activities, especially singing, crafting, and  bowling.  These always brought her joy and a smile to her face. Special thanks to the Nurses, the many PSWs, Kinsie, and Chaplain Alan Cook who took such wonderful care of Vi and ensured she had a great quality of life.   

She will always be remembered for her bright smile, curiosity, engaging personality, genuine interest in people’s lives, sweet nature and her faith. A Celebration of Life to celebrate Viola’s life will take place on Saturday, September 16th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo. Family and friends are invited to attend a reception immediately following the service in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception Room. Private family interment to occur at a later date.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Share Word Global may be arranged at www.erbgood.com