Obituary of Viola Teresa Baay

September 10, 1930 – Calgary, Alberta

November 14, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Viola "Vi" Baay (nee Aiello) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the age of 94 years.

Viola was born in Calgary, AB, on September 10, 1930. She attended school in Calgary, elementary at Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Girls School for high school.

She went on to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a nurse and graduated with the highest honors from Holy Cross in 1952. She has been an alumnus for many years and until last year, attended all the alumni events.

She began her nursing career in Eckville, AB, and after her marriage to Roy Baay in 1953, moved to Peace River, AB. She continued to nurse in Peace River until the birth of her first daughter Terri in 1955. The family then moved to Dawson Creek, BC, where they formed a strong bond with the many other Imperial Oil families working there. Some of those friendships have lasted a lifetime. Her other two children, Sharon (1958) and Paul (1962), were born there. Viola was always involved with her community and loved to help wherever she could. It was at this time that her infamous bridge career began. It continued well into her 90’s.

When the family moved back to Calgary, she reconnected with old friends, made many new friends, took up golf at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, and was the person who took new golfers under her wing and made them feel welcome.

Vi also belonged to CHAS (Children's Hospital Aid Society) for many years. Vi, along with Roy, left a legacy with the Kidney Foundation, creating the Roy and Vi Baay Chair in kidney research at the University of Calgary in 2011. As well, she left a legacy of her own at Providence Care Centre by helping to fund the chapel.

When Roy passed away in 2013, Vi decided to move to Bonavista Independent Living. She became the one who knew everyone in the building by name, started her own bridge group, enjoyed the fact she didn't have to cook, and loved being around people. 

She was particularly proud that her children and grandchildren were all able to complete secondary education. She was a very proud mom, grandmother, and Gigi, who loved to talk about her family.

One of her strongest traits was her spirituality. Every Sunday, you would find her at Mass and every evening praying her rosary with special intentions.

Mom will be remembered for her sense of humour, her feisty personality, her love of nursing, and her great love for her family. Her life was a blessing to all of us and to any who met her.

Viola is survived by Terri (Lorne), Sharon (Brian), and Paul (Gillian); nine grandchildren,  seven great-grandchildren, her sister June (Norm), stepbrothers, Jim (Bonnie), Doug (Jan), and their families.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 – 4th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 – 4th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow, with details to be confirmed at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Viola’s family here.

In living memory of Viola Baay, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.