Joy Irene Viafore

Joy Irene Viafore was born May 10, 1932 in Tacoma, WA to George and Minnie Ablan. Joy passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024.

She attended St. Leo’s Catholic School and graduated in the Class of 1950. During her senior year she met the love of her life, Art Viafore. They were married August 26, 1951 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, where she continued to be a devoted lifetime member. Joy’s early employment was with Van de Kamps Bakery. She soon became a mother and homemaker to seven children. When the youngest were in school, she returned to the work force, working part time at J.C. Penney’s and Peoples Store. Joy continued working into her later years at her son’s business, Viafore’s Italian Delicatessen in Fircrest, working for 35 years until her devoted son (David) retired in 2020.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Minnie Ablan, beloved husband Art, granddaughter, Lisa Anne Viafore and daughter-in-law, Debbie Viafore. She leaves behind her seven children, Rich, Debbie (Randy), Bruce (Bonnie), Pat (Theresa), Rob (Carmell), David and Donald; 6 grandchildren Jennifer (Adam), Brian (Sarah), Tim (Angy), Jill, Michael (Daryle) and April (Sean); and 10 great grandchildren. Joy is survived by sister, Ann Garlock, and brother, George Ablan Jr..

The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care and friendship that mom received at Eliseo (Tacoma Lutheran Home) these past few years. Please join us to celebrate Joy’s life by praying the Rosary and sharing stories at 6 PM on Monday, October 21, 2024 at Saint Rita’s Catholic Church, 1403 S. Ainsworth. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11AM, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, also at St Rita’s Catholic Church. Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Rita's Parish Fund:

Mailing Address:

Bellarmine Preparatory School

Attention: Advancement Office

2300 S. Washington St

Tacoma, WA 98405

***Please note St. Rita's Parish Fund on the check or enclosure***

Online:

https://www.bellarmineprep.org/donate

Donation section: Annual Fund Tuition Assistance

Comments: St. Rita's Parish Fund