Viola Myrtle (Shorey) Scales

Naugatuck, CT-

, 84, passed away peacefully May 22, 2023 on to her heavenly journey home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Burlington, Maine to Archie and Miranda (Sibley) (Curtis) Shorey Sr. The youngest of 11 children.

She lived in Burlington before moving to Patten, ME where she graduated 8th grade, and helped her mom for several years, cooking and bringing food to the local woodsman.

She joined her parents when they relocated to Branford, CT in the 1950's searching for employment.

While living in the Stony Creek section of town, she met and married her first husband, John Scales Jr. They were married several years, but it wasn't meant to be, but it did give her the opportunity to to fulfill her dream, of becoming a mom.

She was first a mom to her foster daughter, Jane, who had down syndrome. From the moment she picked her up at 11 months old, in a hospital, she loved her, and taught her everything she knew, from holding her own bottle, sitting up, to walking and talking. She then gave birth to their daughter, Betsy, 4 years later. She was proud to be a momma to her girls.

Viola was then in a loving, long term relationship with Thomas Barba for many years. They wanted to marry, but never did, due to his illness.

Viola was a hard, dedicated worker. She took pride in every job she had, and did it well. Never complaining, only grateful to have a job.

She worked as a seamstress, sewing brassieres and making gloves, at Vernon Glove Factory, in Stony Creek. She worked as a housekeeper in the Branford and Guilford areas. Later, working at CR Gibson in Guilford and before retiring from Quik Wash Laundromat in Branford in 2004.

Moving to Naugatuck, after retiring.

She spent her free time reading, playing word search games and doing puzzles, when she wasn't in the kitchen whipping up something good.

Viola was well liked by all who met her. While having her own life struggles, (including being a stage 4 ovarian cancer survivor for 15 years) she never looked down on anyone, never letting anyone feel unwelcome. She touched the lives of so many without even realizing she did, making a difference in their lives, just by being someone that truly cared. She always saw the good in others, even when they couldn't see it in themselves. She will be gratefully missed but left a piece of herself in all of our hearts.

She knew it was her time to go home.

She leaves behind her loving daughter and son in law, Betsy and David Richards, of Milo, ME. Six grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure, Zandra (Joemill) Monge Thomaston, CT, Ericka Rogers and Olivia Legere Milo, ME, Jessica (Matthew) Steeves Milford, ME, James and Cody Doyle Prospect, CT.

Five great grandchildren, Dominik, Alivia, Mya, Graysen and Rowan. Her sister Joyce (Robert) Harvey Patten ME, sister in laws, Beverly Cole Lowell, ME, June Shorey Wallingford, CT and Rena Shorey Patten, ME. As well as many beloved niece's nephew's and step children, who loved her and shared many memories with her over the years.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Jane Deida, great granddaughter, Terra Ghiroli; her siblings Geraldine Harriman, Charles Curtis, Ralph Curtis, Viena Ward, Archie Jr, Lawrence and Glenwood Shorey; and several nieces, nephews, sister and brother in laws.

A memorial service will be given by her nephew, Scott Shorey and will be held June 23, 2023 at 11 am at The World of God Fellowship located in the Burlington Municipal Building, Burlington, Maine.

We will have a luncheon at the hall immediately following the service.