Viola Luna

Viola Luna, 88, passed away peacefully and entered into eternal rest on August 9, 2012. Viola was born in Houston, Texas to Florence (Guillen) and Epigmenio Gonzales on March 26, 1924. She graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1940. While working with the National Youth Administration Program at the Tuberculosis Clinic at Jefferson Davis Hospital, Viola received a scholarship enabling her to enroll in St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in August 1942. After graduating in 1945, she began her nursing career in labor and delivery at St. Joseph’s Hospital. After 15 years of labor and delivery, Viola continued nursing in home health care with the Visiting Nurses Association. As their first bilingual staff nurse, she worked in predominantly Hispanic areas of Houston. Viola returned to night school receiving a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Houston in 1974. She retired from VNA in 1983 as Patient Care Manager, East Branch. In 1944 many joined the efforts in supporting our U.S. soldiers stationed overseas. Viola began a friendly correspondence with a young staff sergeant, Salvador Luna, the brother of a fellow nursing student. When Salvador returned from the Persian Gulf, they were married in June 1946. Together they made their home in the Houston Heights for 50 years. They proudly raised 8 children always emphasizing family, education, personal responsibility, and strong Christian values. Viola dedicated her life to serving others. She was a committed and lifelong member of All Saints Catholic Church. Over the years her involvement included Girl Scout leader, den mother, Eucharistic minister, and untold areas of volunteerism in the parish and school. Following her retirement in 1987, she helped found the Third Age Learning Center at All Saints Church. Viola also served on the Board of Directors of the San Jacinto Girl Scouts. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Salvador Luna. Viola is survived by her children Maria Venarske & husband Jim, David Luna, Karen Luna, Theresa Northway & husband David, Stephen Luna & wife Brenda, Philip Luna & wife Lori, Laura Luna, Chris Luna & Kent Mecklenberg, Barbara Ballance & husband Brian; 19 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; as well as many other loving relatives and friends. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Garden Terrace. Although they are far too numerous to mention by name, we are especially thankful to Mary Sweetin and Kristine Hurtado, for over 4 years of compassionate care. We are forever grateful to our dear friend and loving caregiver Regina Lynch. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, August 13th from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Heights Funeral Home. The vigil service & rosary will begin at 6:30 PM. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 14th at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St., Houston, TX 77008. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale.