Viola Evelyn Mazzarella

Viola was born on October 18, 1946 in New London, the daughter of Andrew and Anna (Foley) Shaw and grew up with her sisters Beverly Murtha and Andrea Dorko. Vi met her husband, Guy, while both were attending Norwich Free Academy. Vi graduated from Eastern CT State University and received her Masters Degree from Southern CT State University. Guy & Vi were married on August 5, 1967 and brought their son, Tony, home in November 1975. Vi began work as a 4th grade teacher at Ledyard’s Gallup HillSchool in September 1968 where she taught for a remarkable 35 years. Upon retirement Vi spent her time doing what she loved…reading, enjoying music, spending time with her family and rooting for her Mets, Jets and Huskies. Viola spent her final years in the sunshine of Port St. Lucie, FL with Guy playing bocce and walking her dog, Trooper. Viola will be most remembered for her kindness, her wonderful laugh, generous spirit and for being the best mom a kid could have asked for. Viola is survived by her loving husband Guy, son Tony, daughter-in-law Cheyenne and granddaughter Merci.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 5:00 until 7:00pm in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Ln., Old Lyme, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial Will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11:00am in Christ the King Church, 2 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme, CT. Interment will follow in Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme.

Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes, photos and directions.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.