Violetta Julia Wainio

December 30, 1924 - March 20, 2018
Violetta Julia Wainio

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Violetta J. “Kelly” Wainio, age 93 passed away on March 20, 2018. Kelly was born in Pottsville, PA and spent her childhood in Reading, PA.

She joined the Navy as a registered nurse in 1950 and served as a Lieutenant during the Korean War. While at her duty station in the Panama Canal Zone, she met and married Fredrick James “Jimmy” Wainio where they had an incredible life and 3 children.  Kelly was the Elementary School nurse in the mornings and the Well Baby Clinic nurse in the afternoons as she helped to raise all of the children in the Margarita community. Jimmy passed away in 1976 and shortly thereafter the family moved back to the U.S. She spent time in Dothan, AL, Gretna, LA, and moved to Wilmington in 1986 to be near her daughters and grandchildren.

Kelly loved children, shopping, cooking, entertaining, and her family. Those who knew her admired her taste in unique furniture and collectibles and her will to shop till you drop. She lived with her daughter Jody for nearly 5 years until November of 2016 when she moved to Davis Nursing Home.

Kelly is survived by her daughters Beth Deaton (husband Ted Deaton) and Jody Wainio of Wilmington, and her son Fred Wainio (Wife Diane Wainio) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. 6 Grandchildren –  Lisa Deaton Verstandig, Neal Deaton, Lori Deaton Nichols, Heather Wainio, Ashley Wainio, Freddy Wainio and 4 Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Ann Yoder and husband Richard of Lady Lake, FL. and Peggy Janiszewski and her husband John of Reading, PA. Kelly was the last of her generation of Wainio’s, leaving many nieces and nephews proud to call her their aunt. She will forever be The Lieutenant of the family.

A memorial service will be held for family and close friends at a later time. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403  910-791-9099


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  • March 21, 2018
    william e cronan says:
    Sorry to hear of Mrs Wainio's passing. She was a wonderful nurse who administered vaccinations and care to many of us young kids living on the Canal Zone in Margarita. As much as we didn't like to get those shots, her warm and consoling voice made the process much easier. My prayers to you, Rest in peace Mrs Wainio, you did good work here on earth!

  • March 21, 2018
    Doris Nurenberg says:
    Jody your loss touches so many that call you friend. I am wishing that this transition in your life is eased by all the memories of your amazing mother and the thoughts and prayers from those who love you.

  • March 21, 2018
    Russell & Kathy Wing lit a candle:
    Lit since March 21, 2018 at 3:22:58 PM

  • March 21, 2018
    Russell & Kathy Wing says:
    Jody, Kathy and I know how losing a parent feels. Please know we will be praying for you. You are a great inspiration to us. We love your zeal and passion for life.

  • March 21, 2018
    Phyllis Furr St.Clair says:
    Meeting Kelly was delightful and only made me wish I had known her in her earlier years! Even near the end her wit and intelligence were evident and she remained funny and entertaining. Easy to see where you get much of your character. And although it is time, and although it's good to know she's no longer in pain, I am sure this is difficult for you. Please know that I (and all of your many friends) hold you in our thoughts and prayers and send our warmest love.