WESTFIELD: Viola was a lifelong resident of Westfield, MA born to Frank and Gertrude Best on February 14, 1914 the youngest of three daughters. She died peacefully on January 14, 2021 at the Hospice of the Fisher House in Amherst, MA. Viola was predeceased by her parents, two sisters Helen and Francis, and her husband of sixty years Stephen Welch. She is survived by nieces Barbara Christensen, Gail Olsen and nephew James Christensen as well as many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. A graduate of Westfield High School, Viola lived for many years on Broadway in Westfield. She was an accomplished painter who also enjoyed doing handicrafts of many types and playing her beloved Hammond organ. In June of 2019 on the 350th Anniversary of Westfield, Viola was recognized as the oldest living resident born, raised and still living in Westfield.
Viola will be interred later this spring at Pine Hill Cemetery along side of her husband. Memorial donations should be sent to the Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002.
