Obituary of VIOLA SPECHT

VIOLA SPECHT Viola Specht of Winnipeg, Manitoba passed away on June 12, 2013 in her 90th year. She was predeceased by her husband John; brothers Stanley and Charles and sister Isobel. Viola will be sadly missed by her youngest sister Carol; sister-in-law Terry; nieces Cathy and Nicole; nephews Joe, Brian and Lynden. Viola Haycock was born to parents Herbert and Mabel (Currie) Haycock, and was raised in the St. James area. She met her future husband, John Specht while waiting in the yard for him until he passed her house on his way to school. Viola worked at a dry cleaners for a number of years. She married John Specht in 1949 at St. Ann's Church in St. James. She and John lived in St. James in the first house that John built. Because of John’s work, in 1951 they moved to Santa Monica, California for six months, and then moved and worked in St. Paul, Minnesota for five years. John was transferred back to Winnipeg. Viola and John moved to Charleswood in 1957 and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Viola was a volunteer organist in their parish and served on the Liturgy Committee, Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Expansion Committee. She and John also volunteered their time with music groups visiting seniors' homes. Viola worked for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg until her retirement in December 1988 after 31 years. She was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League and held various covernorships on parish, diocesan and provincial levels. She was diocesan president (1967 – 1969) and became a Life Member in 1979. Viola served as a member of the Diocesan Sacred Music Commission and received the Benemerenti Medal in 1966. In November, 2006, Viola and John moved into the Wellington Retirement Residence and in April, 2011, moved into Parkview Place Care Centre. We would like to thank the caring staff and those who visited Vi at Parkview Place Care Centre. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 4588 Roblin Blvd, Charleswood, with entombment beside her beloved John at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.