Burns Harbor resident Viola M. Knight, 98, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at her home.

She was born on Dec. 17, 1911, in Maywood, Ill., the daughter of John and Ella (Tamm) Esch, who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Phillip Faillo and Harold Knight.

She is survived by her daughter, Joyce (Cliff) Fleming of Burns Harbor; grandchildren Lisa (Tom) Bland, Dr. Patrick (Candice) Fleming, Eddie Fleming, Tim (Lisa) Fleming, and T.C. (Heather) Fleming; great-grandchildren Emersyn and Elliott Bland and Quinn and Sullivan Fleming; and sisters-in-law Marilyn and Lorene.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Zinc and Lou Johnson.

Viola worked as a lab technician for the Federal Milk Market Administration and was the secretary for the Lions Club for 10 years in Florida, where she was also in the church choir. Viola attended St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chesterton and was an avid gardener and a devoted wife and mother.

A memorial mass will be held at a later date. Cremation will take place at Heritage Crematory in Portage.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or to Opportunity Enterprises.

Arrangements are under the direction of Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway in Chesterton.

www.ee.fh.com

Posted 12/23/2009