Violet Hope Solomonson

Violet Hope Solomonson was born on March 19, 1928 to William and Henrietta (Korb) Rokos in Traverse City. Her ancestors immigrated from Czechoslovakia in the 1800's and eventually made their home in the Traverse City area.

She attended Immaculate Conception grade school along with her brother Ernie and sisters Rita and Sandi and graduated from St. Francis High School. Her parents operated the Rokos Grocery at the corner of Elmwood and Randolf. Vi said sometimes she would hurry home at lunch time to work the counter at the store and sell penny candy to the other students. Her father died when she was twelve years old. The store was sold and her mother had a house built on Hill Street.

While in school Vi worked in a soda shop at a local drug store and then as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell. She met Jack when he was working as in installer for Western Electric. They were married on October 3, 1948 and moved to Chicago where Jack was enrolled at an electronics school. Vi worked as a telephone operator supervisor while in Chicago.

Vi and Jack moved back to Traverse City and began a temporary part time job on the Old Mission Peninsula at Peninsula Telephone Company. Together they managed the phone company for sixty years. They successfully grew the company from the switchboard in the living room, cranker phones to cell phones and high speed internet.

Vi was a gracious hostess and cook, often orchestrating Sunday dinners with thirty or more friends and family. She was a member of St. Joseph and Immaculate Conception Catholic churches. She was always active in community and church events and volunteered her time for many fundraisers. She was also a member of the Old Mission Women's Club.

Upon retiring she returned to her Slabtown roots. Eventually she moved to Cordia Senior Living Apartments, it was hard to keep up with her as she so enjoyed the many friendships made. She was busy playing euchre, Mahjong participated in Chi Gong, exercise classes and walking the Route 66 and Appalachian trail virtual programs.

Vi was the matriarch of a strong family and modeled love and grace. Vi was respected and admired by her family and provided unconditional love to her beloved children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and extended family.

She was committed to her faith and attended services faithfully. Her strong religious belief provided her great comfort in all aspects of her life and helped her to pass peacefully. Her daughters were able to spend her last days by her side and were blessed to share this time with her.

Violet is survived by her sister Sandi Green, daughters Mary Jo (Dana) Lance, Barbara (Jan Doran) and Kristina McLain. Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She touched many lives and will be remembered fondly.

The mass of Christian burial will be held on June 26th at 11:00 at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Anthony Citro officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to mass. Burial will be at the Bohemian Cemetery in Old Mission following the mass.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Father Fred, Immaculate Conception food pantry or the Old Mission Historical Society Tree project.

Share a memory of Vi at www.reynolds-jonkoff.com .

Vi and her family are in the care of the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.