Violet Rupena

Violet M. Rupena (nee Vogrin), beloved wife for 64 years of the late Edward J. Rupena; loving mother of Marla Rupena and Sharon Currier; cherished daughter of the late Martin and Mary (nee Mahne) Vogrin; aunt, great aunt and friend of many. 

Violet, or Vi as she was often called, was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She spent much of her younger years caring for her mother who became blind when she was just a child. She graduated from Collinwood High School then went on to attend Fenn College. Her first job was working at Ohio Bell Telephone where she was quickly promoted to supervisor. 

Edward and Violet married in 1954 after meeting at a picnic. They moved to Carol Drive in Euclid where they made lifelong friendships with the neighbors. It was a perfect place to raise a family. In 1979, they moved to Highland Heights. Violet contracted the construction of their house on Davidson Drive with the guidance of a library book. When the house and yard became too much for them, Ed and Vi moved to a condominium in Willoughby Hills. The neighbors often gathered in a circle in their Pebblebrook driveway in the summer to socialize. In the winter, everyone was invited in to work on jigsaw puzzles. Ed and Vi also owned a condominium in Las Vegas where they would go to escape the Cleveland winters, relax and see their friends. Violet could most often be found at the poker table or blackjack table. 

Violet was the rudder that steered our family ship. She charted the course that we would follow. She was strong willed and like doing things her way. She was a loving wife and mother who never let any grass grow under her feet. She was an executive secretary before working mothers were commonplace. She spent a good part of her career at Picker Corp. where she again made enduring friendships. She valued education and insisted that her children attend college. She was a stickler for grammar. She was fond of all animals, but especially cats. There was always a pet cat or two in the house to pamper and she could often be seen wearing animal print clothing. Vi loved to travel and made several trips to Slovenia to connect with her extended family. She was very proud of her Slovenian heritage.

Vi participated in bowling and golf leagues much of her adult life. She bowled a strike on her 90th birthday. She also enjoyed playing bocci and the Cleveland Guardians. She could often be heard cheering for Omar Visquel or Jose Ramirez. She volunteered for Hospice of the Western Reserve for many years, and in her younger days, was an active member of the Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary and the PTA. 

We will be forever grateful to her private caretaker, Maria, who formed a special bond with our mother. They shared many laughs, acted crazy at times, and truly loved each other. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Aberdeen Crossings for making Violet feel loved and cared for during the last months of her 96 years. Your hugs meant the world to her. Thanks also to the staff of Miracle City Hospice for the care they provided throughout her stay at Aberdeen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Violet's memory to the Cleveland Sight Center, 1909 East 101st St., Cleveland OH 44106 or Lake Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Blvd., Mentor OH 44060. 

Prayers of Christian Burial Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11:30 AM at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91). Inurnment following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Violet prior to the service from 9:30-11:30 AM.