Viola Mae Carr, longtime Gilroy native, passed away Tuesday, August 27th. She was 89 years old. Viola attended Gilroy schools and graduated from Gilroy High School. She went on to earn her associate's degree in cosmetology from Gavilan College. She married her high school sweetheart, Tom Carr, in 1957. Viola and Tom operated Carr's Answering Service, a medical supply company, and a taxi service. Viola worked as a state inspector for the tomato weigh stations, Gilroy Telephone company, Gilroy Canning, and for over 25 years in the business office at Gavilan College. She was a member of the Italian Catholic Federation, Women in Touch, and she was one of the founding vendors for the Gilroy Garlic Festival.

Viola believed family was everything. So much so, that she started a beautiful tradition of hosting family dinner every Thursday night which was lovingly called, "Family Night". This traditional family night gathering was held for over 40 years. Walking into Nana's kitchen as she was called by the grandkids, was a party for the senses. Her whole house smelled like the delicious meal about to be enjoyed. Her food was served with impeccable presentation. Viola also loved gardening, growing her own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. She enjoyed sharing them with her family. She was an avid card player delighting in weekly games of Poker and Contract Rummy with her girlfriends.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Sherrean Carr and David Ramos, Michele and Frank Bozzo, and Sandra and Mark Fishler who are all of Gilroy. Her grandchildren and their spouses, Nicole (Bozzo) Pearson and Derrick, Dr. Graydon Carr and Shelby, Max Fishler and Melissa, Taylor Carr Ramos, and Zachary Fishler. The great grandchildren include Jordyn and Blake Carr, Teddy Fishler, and Olivia Pearson along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Tom Carr and her father and mother, Antonio and Angelina Filice.

Please make all donations directly to Parents Helping Parents at the link below.

https://www.php.com/