LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Viola Bishop, Martin, Petersen, age 93, died peacefully in her sleep at her residence in Lawrenceville, GA on September 21, 2018 following a long illness. Viola, also known as Vi, was born in Caribou, Maine on July 10, 1925. She was the eldest of seven children born to Eddie Bishop and Agnes Saucier.
She is survived by her children, Betty (Martin) Colegrove and husband, Jerry, of Loganville, Ga., Stephanie Petersen of Lawrenceville, Ga., Rick Petersen of Caribou, Me., and Pam (Petersen)Blatchford and her husband, Dean, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; grandchildren, Ryan Colegrove and his wife, Dawn, Kyle Colegrove and his wife, Candace, Bryce Bessette, Karyn Colegrove; and three great-granddaughters, Ciara, Laila, and Alyssa Colegrove, all from Georgia. Other surviving family members include sisters, Leona Ray and husband, Don, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Caroline Pisciotta and husband, Tony, of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Joan McCaffree of Spokane, Wa.; and several nieces and nephews.
Viola attended Caribou schools and in 1945, married Patrick Martin. Together they worked at the Victory Restaurant on Main Street in Caribou. They had two children, Betty and Donny. Donny died after a short illness when he was two years old followed by his father Patrick in 1954.
She married Richard Petersen an Air Force Lieutenant stationed at Loring Air Force Basin 1956, and spent the next 12 years as an Air Force wife and mother. They divorced in 1969. Together they had three children, Stephanie, Richard (Rick), and Pam.
As a single, divorced mother in the sixties, Viola raised her children the best way she could, often working three jobs. She went back to school and trained to be a social worker for the State of Maine. She continued this career until her retirement. Her children will always remember some hard times, good times, and lots of love and laughter. She was a role model who taught them to keep going, never give up, no matter what obstacles are placed in your way. And above all else, remember you belong a family who loves and supports you no matter what.
A life-long member of the American Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary, and The VFW. Viola served as the 7th District ‘s 1st Vice President at the American Legion’s State Annual, and as a 1st Vice and 2nd Vice President as well as President at the local level. She was a chapter member of the Ladies of Saint Anne, and member of the Catholic church.
One of the more exciting accomplishments in Viola’s life was when she was chosen out of hundreds to be an extra in the Jim Carry film Me Myself and Irene. Although most of her scenes were cut, it remained an experience she valued for the rest of her life. Viola’s passions included socializing with friends, travelling, dancing, playing cards, and playing BINGO, her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was a cherished sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and most of all a beloved mother.
She loved to share memories from her childhood, hometown, and the many friends she collected throughout her lifetime. Many a summer night was spent sitting outside in the rocking chairs reminiscing about the “Good Ole days in Caribou”.
She is predeceased by her two husbands; son, Donny; brothers, Eddie Bishop, Richard Bishop; sister, Connie Bishop, in-laws Ronald(Honey) Morin, Phillip McCaffee, Joan Bishop; and nephew, Michael McCaffee.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in memory of Viola on Monday, October 1st, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Lawrence’ s Catholic Church, in Lawrenceville, Ga., with Father Mark Thomas presiding. There will be a July 2019 interment at the Old Holy Rosary Cemetery in Caribou, Maine.
