Alice (Natal) Viola
October 11, 1918 — March 21, 2014
Alice (Natal) Viola
Businesswoman, humanitarian, author, poet, activist
95, of Overlook Circle, North Providence died peacefully at home on March 21st, 2014 surrounded by her loving family.
She was the daughter of the late Dr. Romeo and Laura (Ficocelli) Natal. A lifelong Providence resident, she was married to the late Anthony Viola, Jr. for 56 years, and the mother of the late Richard Viola, Sr. She was also the sister of the late Thomas Natal.
A graduate of Classical High School, Alice attended Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received numerous awards for her involvement in civic, academic, cultural, and health organizations. Alice was a pioneer in promoting women's rights in the state of Rhode Island, and achieved the honor of establishing several women's groups for the purpose of recognizing the ability of women in society. She was a reporter for the Italian-American newspaper, The Echo, for 17 years writing a column about an assortment of topics for general information. Alice was the owner of Alice Viola Properties of North Providence and until recently owned and maintained several properties in North Providence and Providence.
She was a life member of the American Heart Association, where she worked to promote awareness for heart health, raising significant amounts of money towards the prevention of heart diseases. Alice was a member of the Home Builders Association, Federal Hill House, Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Historical Society, Bishops Council, Friends of the Handicapped, Fatima Hospital, International Poetry Hall of Fame, and the International Library of Photography. She performed countless hours of volunteer work for the Association of the Blind, Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Francis Chapel, and the Rhode Island Hospital Guild. Alice wrote several books about her favorite subject, love. Her collection of love related poems touched on deep expressions about relationships and religious related topics. She brought her poetry to music by making several CDs, which were distributed to schools in Providence. Her intention was to promote and educate children about peace through music. She was elected to the Poetry Hall of Fame and constructed the Alice Viola Poetry Exhibited on the organization's webpage.
One of Alice's greatest achievements was the establishment of the Alice Viola Breast Care Center at Fatima Hospital in 2003. A cancer survivor, she wanted to promote a center of comprehensive care and support for all women under one roof, aided by expert and caring professionals. She also contributed to the refurbishment of the hospital chapel, the construction of the surgical center, and other renovations throughout the hospital.
A devout Catholic, Alice made contributions to St. Anthony Church and Food Ministry. She truly believed God rewarded her with many blessings because of her unselfish giving. Alice was a remarkable woman who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Rosemary Viola of Johnston and her four cherished grandchildren: Richard Viola, Jr. (Juliet) of North Providence, James Viola (Michelle) of Attleboro, MA, Thomas Viola and Laura Viola of Johnston, and three great-grandchildren: Juliet, Florence, and Gregory Viola. She is also survived by her beloved friend and confidant, David Carbone of North Providence and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless dear friends.
Her funeral will be held from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anthony' Church, North Providence at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will take place at Our Risen Christ Garden Mausoleum in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS are on Tuesday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alice Viola Breast Care Center, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, 200 High Service Avenue, North Providence, RI, 02904 or the St. Anthony Kitchen Ministry, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, RI, 02904.
95, of Overlook Circle, North Providence died peacefully at home on March 21st, 2014 surrounded by her loving family.
She was the daughter of the late Dr. Romeo and Laura (Ficocelli) Natal. A lifelong Providence resident, she was married to the late Anthony Viola, Jr. for 56 years, and the mother of the late Richard Viola, Sr. She was also the sister of the late Thomas Natal.
A graduate of Classical High School, Alice attended Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received numerous awards for her involvement in civic, academic, cultural, and health organizations. Alice was a pioneer in promoting women's rights in the state of Rhode Island, and achieved the honor of establishing several women's groups for the purpose of recognizing the ability of women in society. She was a reporter for the Italian-American newspaper, The Echo, for 17 years writing a column about an assortment of topics for general information. Alice was the owner of Alice Viola Properties of North Providence and until recently owned and maintained several properties in North Providence and Providence.
She was a life member of the American Heart Association, where she worked to promote awareness for heart health, raising significant amounts of money towards the prevention of heart diseases. Alice was a member of the Home Builders Association, Federal Hill House, Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Historical Society, Bishops Council, Friends of the Handicapped, Fatima Hospital, International Poetry Hall of Fame, and the International Library of Photography. She performed countless hours of volunteer work for the Association of the Blind, Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Francis Chapel, and the Rhode Island Hospital Guild. Alice wrote several books about her favorite subject, love. Her collection of love related poems touched on deep expressions about relationships and religious related topics. She brought her poetry to music by making several CDs, which were distributed to schools in Providence. Her intention was to promote and educate children about peace through music. She was elected to the Poetry Hall of Fame and constructed the Alice Viola Poetry Exhibited on the organization's webpage.
One of Alice's greatest achievements was the establishment of the Alice Viola Breast Care Center at Fatima Hospital in 2003. A cancer survivor, she wanted to promote a center of comprehensive care and support for all women under one roof, aided by expert and caring professionals. She also contributed to the refurbishment of the hospital chapel, the construction of the surgical center, and other renovations throughout the hospital.
A devout Catholic, Alice made contributions to St. Anthony Church and Food Ministry. She truly believed God rewarded her with many blessings because of her unselfish giving. Alice was a remarkable woman who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Rosemary Viola of Johnston and her four cherished grandchildren: Richard Viola, Jr. (Juliet) of North Providence, James Viola (Michelle) of Attleboro, MA, Thomas Viola and Laura Viola of Johnston, and three great-grandchildren: Juliet, Florence, and Gregory Viola. She is also survived by her beloved friend and confidant, David Carbone of North Providence and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless dear friends.
Her funeral will be held from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anthony' Church, North Providence at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will take place at Our Risen Christ Garden Mausoleum in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS are on Tuesday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alice Viola Breast Care Center, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, 200 High Service Avenue, North Providence, RI, 02904 or the St. Anthony Kitchen Ministry, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, RI, 02904.
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