Viola Sierra

On Wednesday, April 22, our loving mother, Viola Jorge de Sierra, peacefully passed away.  This world was blessed to have her for 91 years.

Viola was born on February 22, 1929, in Dominican Republic.  She was a loved daughter, an applied student, a wonderful wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and just a wonderful human being.

She was loved and cherished by her older sister, Alma Moscat, who was her best friend and confidant.  She joined her husband, Mario Sierra, her father, Octavio Jorge, her mother Blanca Pichardo Jorge, and her three brothers Octavio, Miguel, and Rafael in Heaven.  Viola’s life was full of love and care from her children, John, Albert, Milagros (Milly), Blanca, and Alma.  She was further loved by her eight grandchildren, Jonathan, Farrah, Domenick Mario, Brian, Leslie, Andrew, Samantha, and John, and even further loved by her great-grandchildren Alayna, Domenick Michael, Lukas, Owen, Damen, Reagan, Bailey, Nathan, Zachary, Alexander, and Anthony.  Her daughters-in-law Belkis Diaz and Roseann Foley and sons-in-law Daniel Saat and Richard Acevedo were truly daughters and sons to her.  Thank you, mother, for your legacy.  Viola also leaves behind nieces and nephews that, although not close to her, meant quite a lot, especially her niece Lil Almonte.  Family was always the most important part of her life.

Viola’s life took many paths requiring many different starts that she faced with grace, dignity, hard work, and strength.  Her view of life was to face it with acceptance and patience.  All, valuable examples that carry on in each and every one of us.  After many health obstacles in her later years, her journey took her to Madison, Wisconsin, where she defied the odds and blessed us with her presence for another nine years.

These are hard times, with a crisis so unexpected, causing well-intentioned plans to change.  And so, it is our hope to celebrate Viola’s life at a later time.  When and where, like everything else in our lives today, is uncertain.  Let us hope soon.  Until then, hold her loving memory close to your heart.

We would like to thank Oakwood Village West staff and nurses and Heartland Hospice staff and nurses for all of their help and support during this time.

John Octavio Salazar, Alberto Salazar, Milagros (Milly) Salazar Saat, Blanca Salazar James, Alma Salazar Acevedo.

A celebration of Viola's life will be held when life permits. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Dementia Society of America, Alzheimer’s Association, or the American Diabetes Association.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406