Viola (Langlais) Robert

1917-2012

Putnam—Viola (Langlais) Robert, 94, formerly of Sabin Street., passed away peacefully Friday, June 8 at the Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. Born in Southbridge, MA, she was the daughter of the late Artistide and Lucia (Genereux) Langlais.

Viola married in 1940 and the couple purchased a home on Pompeo Road in North Grosvenordale, CT. By 1953 she was raising her four children alone. She worked hard at raising her family as a single mom in a time when doing so was rare, earning a living as a private housekeeper as well as in various manufacturing jobs in the local area until her retirment around 1982.

She enjoyed canning farm fresh produce for her family such as tomatoes, corn, peaches, and the like, some of which came from her own garden. Visiting relatives were treated to a glass of her homemade root beer. And she was an excellent cook, filling the house with wonderful aromas of slow-cooked roast pork, meat loaf, spaghetti and meatballs, and upside down peach cake.

Viola had a great love for animals such as cats, dogs, and horses. Once her children were grown, her companions were her dogs. Over time she had three dogs Wiggles, Major, and Flash. She sadly had to give up Major, a powerful German Shepherd, to a farm when he had become too strong for her to handle. A year later she went to visit him there. The farmer warned her not to get near him. Major was now a feared watchdog. She ignored the warning and approached him, quietly calling his name. Major immediately recognized her voice and ran to greet her crying out in excitement, jumping around her with joy.

Her favorite pastime in her retirement included reading newspapers and magazines, some of which were written in French. She never watched television but enjoyed listening to the local radio broadcasts of WINY. She enjoyed her trips into town wearing unique and often jeweled hats as they were conversation starters and she loved to make people smile and laugh with her whimsical humor.

Viola will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved her. She is survived by 3 daughters, Lucille Wolff of Scarborough, ME, Vivianne Mailloux of Danielson, and Madeleine Sears of Uxbridge, MA; a son, Paul Robert of New Mexico; and her sister Bertha Bonin of Charlton, Ma. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Peter Wolff of Georgia, VT, Christine Wolff of Topsham, ME, Maria Wolff of Portland, ME, Lisa (Wolff) Leonard of Portland, ME, Jeanne Mailloux of Woodstock, David Mailloux of Bonnerdale, Arkansas, Richard Mailloux of Thompson, William Mailloux and Timothy Mailloux of Putnam, Jeffrey Sears of New York, New York, and 9 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a grandson, Martin Wolff, 11 sisters, and a brother.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, June 15 at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT. A gathering will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 16 at Gilman’s, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary’s Church, 230 Providence Street. Putnam, CT. Burial will follow in St Mary’s Cemetery. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com