Viola Elizabeth Whelan, née McCarthy, 97, born December 29, 1927 in Waterloo, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Aviston, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Whelan (deceased 1984); her parents, John and Veronica (née Strodt) McCarthy; her son-in-law, Kevin Patrick McGinnis; her daughter, Mary Jane McGinnis; her son, Roger Joseph Whelan; an infant brother, Floyd McCarthy; half-brothers Roland Strodt and Clement, William, Daniel, and Sylvester McCarthy; and step-sisters Catherine Kalmer, Matilda Jaidie, and Mamie Bierline.

Viola is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Ann (Timothy) Eichelberger of Swansea, IL; grandchildren Christopher Kyle McGinnis, Meghan Catherine (Thaddeus) McGinnis Biekert, and Natalie Jo (Christopher) Bachmann; great-grandchildren Madison Nicole McGinnis, Emma Grace McGinnis, Peyton Aubrey Biekert, and Weston Patrick Biekert; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Viola worked for the government in Chicago in 1945, married Joseph on January 3, 1948, 1952 marked her Polio Anniversary, and she entered the nursing home in 2013.
She was a lover of hot tea, a homemaker, babysitter, served as a teacher's aide with Cahokia School District 187, was a Fuller Brush Company associate and worked at Rawlings Sporting Goods. She was a Charter Member of the Victorious Missionaries, run by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and honored to receive the Father John Maronic, O.M.I. Award.

Viola will be remembered for her deep love of family and friends and her unwavering devotion to the Roman Catholic Church.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo, IL, A Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Linus Umoren, CM officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the burial at the VFW Hall: 406 Veterans Dr, Waterloo, IL.