Violet Juila (Barber) Di Persio

****SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT***

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 22nd, 2024 from 10:30 - 11:30 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Bras d'Or

Violet Julia (Barber) Di Persio

January 4th, 1924-April 29th, 2024 (age 100)

Violet (Barber) DiPersio, lived a long and remarkable life filled with compassion, creativity, and resilience. Born on January 4, 1924, in London, England, she was the daughter of Henry Barber and Mabel Ensum. 

During her early teens, Violet worked as a secretary, taking great pride in her speed and treasuring the typewriter gifted to her by her husband in later years. When World War II began in 1939, she joined Ford’s assembly line in Dagenham, England. She was a real-life Rosie the Riveter, and contributed to the production of parts for armored vehicles. It was during this time that she crossed paths with a young Canadian soldier named Henry (Hank) DiPersio, her future husband, who was studying engine repair. 

At the age of 22, Violet took a leap of faith and moved from London, England, to Sydney Mines. Her voyage across the Atlantic to join her husband took place on a repurposed hospital ship, the Lady Nelson. In addition to adjusting to a new country, she entered a family where Italian was the language most often spoken at home. Mom had many amusing stories about her challenges and adaptations to her new life during that time, comparing the social life in the bustling city of London to that in Sydney Mines. 

Violet was not only cultured but also a true lady. Her kindness knew no bounds. Whenever someone came to our door collecting for charity, she would dip into her grocery change, willingly sacrificing for those less fortunate. Her unwavering belief in the adage “what goes around comes around” guided her actions, and she never criticized others but instead offered support to those facing difficulties. 

Mom was a devoted mother who raised the six of us with love, care, and unwavering dedication. Her nurturing spirit and wisdom shaped our lives, leaving an indelible mark on each of us. Violet’s legacy as a wonderful mom will forever resonate in our hearts and those who knew her.

In her fifties, Violet ran a local “Pop Shop” in North Sydney. Despite the challenges of managing  it on her own, she relished the opportunity to connect with people and enjoy social interactions. 

In her sixties, Mom developed a passion for oil painting. Mom created beautiful landscapes that her children will forever hold dear. 

And oh, how she could cook! Her culinary skills were amazing, and her kitchen was a place of warmth and love. Her recipes live on in our own kitchens. 

Mom loved to knit and would often make blankets, scarves, hats and mittens for charities, family and friends. She even managed to finish a knitted blanket at the age of 96.

Mom loved Christmas, a time of family gatherings and sharing. After a few glasses of wine, she wandered outside of her comfort zone to recite the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ with a few unsavory words, said with a beautiful British accent, much to the delight and uncontrollable laughter of her family.

Mom possessed a beautiful voice. She often sang, whether humming a lullaby to soothe her children or singing in the kitchen, her voice carried a soft quality sound that lingers in our memories.

Mom loved to travel. With Dad, she spent many enjoyable winters in Florida. In her 80’s, Mom started travelling internationally to |Europe and the Caribbean. She took her last trip at the age of 96 and would have continued, except for the interference of Covid. 

At the age of 95, Violet handwrote her memoir, capturing a lifetime of memories and experiences. 

She loved to read, losing herself in the pages of countless books, even at 100 years of age. She loved completing crossword puzzles and was exceptionally fast at solving the daily challenges. 

Violet DiPersio leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and creativity. She touched the lives of many, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

Besides her parents, Violet was predeceased by her husband, Hank, sister Doris, brother Harry, and sons-in-law Hart Mueller and Howard Windsor. 

Violet is survived by her children: Henry (Judy), Denise (Brad), Debbie, Maureen (Bicky), Joe, John (Jennifer), daughter-in-law, Lynne, 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank Dr. Peter Poulos for his excellent care of Mom throughout her years. Also, we send much gratitude to the staff and residents of My Cape Breton Home, North Sydney, and to the Northside Guest Home for their excellent care, kindness, compassion, and friendship.

There will be no visitation and a funeral service and celebration of life will take place in July. A further notice will follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Violet Juila (Barber) Di Persio, please visit our floral store.