Violet E. Gazal

Violet E. “Vi” (Wenho) Gazal, 93 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at UMass Medical Center. Violet was the matriarch of her family. She meant so much to so many people in her life. She was a daughter, a sister, a devoted wife, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and a great friend. Violet was a kind, happy, beautiful person, with a great sense of humor.  She was always the life of the party and quite the spitfire.

Vi was born in Worcester, a daughter of the late Arvard and Selma Wenho.  She attended Worcester Public School and has lived in Worcester all her life. Vi was the co-owner alongside her husband of Shakers Sooper Market for many years.  She also worked as a host and cook at the famous El Morocco Restaurant.  Vi was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church; enjoyed bingo, cooking, baking, gardening, jitterbug dancing at Lakeside, and taking care of her grandchildren.

Vi’s husband of 60 years, Arthur P. Gazal passed away on September 30, 2010.  She is survived by a son, Arthur S. Gazal and his wife Linda Ricciardi-Gazal of Worcester; a daughter, Deborah Silva of Worcester; six grandchildren, Kimberly Santos and her husband Tim of Barnstable, Sheila Ricciardi-Ferraiuolo of Northborough, Nathan Silva and his wife Lindsay of Arizona, Amber Silva of Worcester, Steven Ricciardi and his wife Carrie of Truro, and Ariel Creen and her husband Andrew of Holden; five great grandchildren, Kyle Silva, Annabella Ferraiuolo, Avery Johnson, Andrew Creen and Maxwell Arthur Creen; many nieces and nephews.  Vi is predeceased by two brothers, William Wenho and Richard Wenho: two sisters, Viola Koskela and Lillian Akerson.

Vi’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at UMass Medical Center for the loving care of our mom during these difficult times.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 9-10:45 am followed by her funeral service at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 256 Hamilton St., Worcester.  Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.  MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 256 Hamilton St., Worcester, MA. 01604.