Viola Diana Worcester

Rumford, ME - Viola (Cormier) Worcester, age 95, of Highland Terrace in Mexico, beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away Thursday night, December 5th, at Rumford Hospital, with her granddaughter Savannah by her side.

She was born in Mexico, Maine, on October 29, 1929, the daughter of local business owners Neri and Evangeline Cormier. Growing up, she and her sister Yvette often helped out at the family businesses, including the Deluxe Diner, Neri’s Army and Navy, and Neri’s Variety Store. She attended Mt. Merici Academy in Waterville and briefly worked at the Oxford Mill, where she met her husband of 61 years. On June 20, 1950, Viola married her soulmate, Horace ‘Honk’ Worcester, at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Rumford, Maine. For decades, they lived simply, adventured often, and gave generously.

A communicant of St. Athanasius/Saint John’s Catholic Church and a member of the Daughters of Isabella for 15 years, Viola was known for her kindness, love, and joy, which she freely shared with everyone she met. She was a bright and talented woman, with gifts in sewing, painting, and photography, but her greatest gift was her generosity of spirit.

Viola and Honk were active volunteers in the renovation of the Mexico Historical Society and, for many years, donated 20 stockings filled with toys and necessities as Santa Helpers each Christmas for local children. After Honk’s passing, Viola continued this tradition for 13 years, in addition to hand-making quilts and bedding for veterans, hospitals, and nursing homes, often with her friends from the local sewing club at the Elks Hall.

Although Viola was a proud resident of Mexico for most of her life, she and her family traveled extensively and lived in Thailand, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, and New Mexico. She and Honk were passionate about seeing as much of the world as possible, journeying thousands of miles across North America, often on the back of a Gold Wing motorcycle, visiting their favorite vacation spot, Alaska, and enjoying trips to Europe and Asia. Her love for taking a ‘little drive’ never faded during her final years and recent battle with cancer.

A devoted mother and beloved grandmother, Viola’s commitment to her family was unmatched. She is survived by her sons, Horace Worcester of Mexico, Nery and wife Linda Worcester of Rumford, and Bob and wife Noo Worcester of Florida; and her grandchildren, Peter, Melanie, and Savannah. She is also survived by her sister Yvette Bourque and her nephews, William and Robert Bourque of Stratford, Connecticut.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences, and fond memories with the Worcester family by visiting Viola’s Memorial Page, hosted by Dignity Memorial.

Her Funeral Mass will be held at St. Athanasius/Saint John’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 13th.

In lieu of flowers, Viola requested donations be made in her memory to the Dempsey Center for Maine cancer patients.