Violet Tholey, of Newtown, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Pickering Manor with her family by her side. She was 89.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Robert Sr. and Anna Wenke Sheak.

Violet was the beloved wife of 65 years to Lawrence C. Tholey, Sr.

Mrs. Tholey was a 1940 graduate of J.W. Hallahan Catholic Girl’s High School. She attended the original St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Philadelphia, graduating with a nursing degree in 1946. In the 1960’s, Violet enrolled at Temple University while raising her family, and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1968. She later went on to study at the former Beaver College, now Arcadia University, where she graduated with her Master’s Degree in Health Education in 1974. She used her education to enter the Philadelphia School District as a school nurse. Violet served at many schools during her nursing career, but spent most of her time at St. William School. She retired at the age of 65.

Violet’s hobbies included reading and gardening, but her life was centered on her family. Their large family gatherings were a lifelong source of joy. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed their yearly family trips to Sea Isle City.

Violet and her husband were communicants at the Church of St. Andrew for 36 years, where she had been involved in Bible Study and as a Eucharistic Minister. She had a strong faith and a committed devotion to the Lord.

In addition to her husband, Violet is survived by her children: Patricia Monahan, wife of Dennis of Richboro, JoAnn Ryan, wife of Peter of Huntingdon Valley, Lawrence C. Tholey, Jr., husband of Patricia of Holland, Mary Beth DiRenzo, wife of Samuel of Newtown, and Kathy Morrison, wife of Tom of Newtown; her sister: Lillian Wasserbach of Philadelphia; 14 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Thursday, March 14, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to her Funeral Mass at 11:15 a.m. at the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940. Burial will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of St. Andrew at the above address.