Violet D. Leist Lancaster

Violet Darlene Leist Lancaster, 93 years young and wise, passed away peacefully and so very loved at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Jim and Debra Hawkins in Temperance, Michigan on January 11, 2020. Violet was born to Otto and Mabel Gehri on May 17, 1926 in Wonewoc, Wisconsin. Her mother and father were outside picking violets when her mother went into labor. When Violet made her arrival, the violets were on the nightstand and her eyes matched the color of the freshly picked violets. Mable and Otto made the decision then, it was meant to be, her name would be Violet. While in high school, Violet was the star majorette that would lead the Wonewoc band down Main Street. After graduation, Violet met and married Robert Leist, a Navy sailor that was home on leave. Soon they moved to Chicago and then Robert (Bud) was offered a position in Retail Management that led to several transfer locations in Ohio and Michigan. In 1964, Bud and Violet vowed to make Toledo, Ohio their forever home and thats what they did. During Violet’s 38 years of marriage to Bud, they were blessed with two children, Bobby and Debbie. Bud preceded her death on May 31, 1983. The very first moment Violet held her children in her arms, her life was entirely dedicated and committed to her family. Violet was a tremendous advocate for her two children and took great interest in all of their activities, careers and their family and friends. Bud and Violet’s friends knew they were always welcome and there was sure to be great laughs, adult beverages and some great memories. Bobby and Debbie’s friends always knew Ma Leist was “a cool mom”.  She was always baking the best chocolate chip cookies, making chocolate milkshakes and banana splits. Ma Leist’s kitchen table was a place to laugh, share tears, reveal secrets, disclose our dreams and was forever loved unconditionally. We all hope that kitchen table never talks! Violet was a devout Christian and her Lutheran faith was undeniable. For many years, Violet served her church as a Sunday school teacher. She was also known as “the hat lady”. Every Sunday she wore her hats with matching shoes, purse and gloves. Her grandest moments were sitting in church with Bud, Bobby and Debbie and worshipping together as a family. After 23 years of missing Bud, Violet discovered love again with Burt Lancaster. At the age of 80, Violet remarried and had 10 amazing years. Burt preceded her death on August 19, 2016. Survived and left to cherish Violet’s memory are beloved son, Bobby Leist; forever daughter and best friend, Debra Hawkins; very much treasured and loved son-in-law, Jim Hawkins; grandchildren, Rob (Duke), Angelo Leist, Toni Marie Leist, and Stacie Dessellier (Chris); great-grandchildren, Connor and Cameron Dessellier; Violet’s Chosen daughter, Stephanie Zylka (Paul); Violet’s Chosen grandchildren, Derek (Laura), Garret (Erin) and Kyle Zylka; step-children, Dan (Kelly), David (Connie), Becky and Chris Lancaster; brothers, Virgil (Vera) and John (Audrey) Gehri; many nieces and nephews; Violet’s special niece, Julie Ott; best neighbor friends, Melissa Ware and Gladys Mitchell. Preceded in death by her devoted husband, Robert (Bud) Leist; loving husband, Burt Lancaster; precious daughter-in-law, Denise Leist (Bobby); sisters, Fern (Norbert) Talg, Joyce (Harry) Stetler and Janet (Ronnie) Ott; brother, Ben (Geraldine) Gehri; lifetime faithful and trusted family friend, Angelo Belfast; Violet’s very best girlfriends, Dorothy Wallace and Joan Gibbs. Though Mom’s radiant smile is gone forever but never forgotten, and her hands we can no longer touch, we still have many memories of the Mom we all love so much. Her memory will be our keepsake and compass of which will never part. God has Mom in his safe keeping and we will eternally have her in our hearts. Our family would like to acknowledge our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Promedica Hospice Angels for all the loving care shown to Violet and her family during this difficult journey. Beginning with mom’s and our family’s Hall of Fame nurse, our treasured Marianne, dear tender Molly, mom’s Lil’ Missy Aurora, precious and kind Lynn, our devoted angelic Holly, and our spiritual and compassionate, Chaplain Mike. Visitation will be held for Violet at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 3 - 8 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 12 pm until the time of the memorial service at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider ProMedica Hospice.