Violet Himley

Violet Himley, a/k/a/ “Gumma”, “Grumma” “Grandma”, 98 year-old fireball, born in Chicago on January 28, 1926 and raised in Chicago, and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Encountered George Himley, a Minnesotan from Montevideo, while dancing at the Aragon Ballroom during WW2. Vie & George married in 1947 and proceeded to build their own home in Park Ridge that same year. In 1954 they welcomed their first child, a daughter, and promptly built their second home on the vacant lot next door to accommodate their growing family. Subsequent years saw the birth of 2 additional children, both sons.

While raising her children, Vie developed a passion for supporting their interests in figure skating and hockey. Additional passions included travel, sweets, Yahtzee, Monopoly, Dominoes, prosciutto & melon, her condo in Florida, and eventually her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Although she didn’t make it to her personal goal of 100, she took great pride in living independently, having a valid Illinois driver’s license, managing her own condo rentals, and making one helluva Italian spaghetti sauce.

Also known as “The Energizer Bunny”, Vie was always up for a spontaneous dinner or trip. Her family is confident that Vie is currently enjoying the company of her husband George and dancing to the heavenly performances of Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman.   Vie passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. She is the beloved wife of the late George. Loving mother of Dawn Himley – Grandi, (Mike Grandi), Scott (Justyna) and the late (Peggy ) and Robin (Gigi). Former mother in law of Amy Petterson. Cherished grandmother of Kelsey (Ben), Chad (Michelle), Susanna (Adam), Casey (Zach), Jordan – Budgey, Kristina (Alex), Carter (Morgan), Courtney, Candice and Edrick. Great Grandmother of Anderson and baby girl King. Dear sister of the late Alex “Red” and the late Maryla Reeves. Fond aunt of  Barbara “Basia” (Jim) Conroy, Donny ( Lynn) Himley, the late Billy (Barbara) Himley.

Visitation Tuesday, October 15 ^th from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS)  8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M., The Entombment will take place at the Maryhill Cemetery, Niles. In HONOR of Vie please consider wearing something  purple.