Violet A. “Oly” Layden, 97, Donaldson, passed away at 2:12 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, at Catherine Kasper Life Center with her loving family by her side.

Violet was born in Chicago, Ill. the daughter of Patrick and Anna (Klemz) Layden on July 4, 1918. She worked during the 1950’s and 1960’s in Donaldson, at the Divine Heart Seminary as a secretary for correspondence for the priests. Violet was well known for her skills at knitting and making beautiful crocheted items for family and friends.

Violet is survived by her nieces and nephews: Tom Parsons, Plymouth; Dave and Toni Parsons, Plymouth; Leonard and Nancy Layden, Chicago, Ill.; Patsy (Bud, deceased) Waltenbaugh, Chicago, Ill.; Ellen and Bill Voehringer, Hoffman Estates, Ill.; Pamela (Ray, deceased) Salvo, Chicago, Ill.; Cathy and Dan Golden, Rolling Meadows, Ill.; many great-nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends: Shirley Green; Donnabelle Newberg; and Marymae Stephenson. Violet is preceded in passing by her parents; her sister: Mae Wilson; and her four brothers: Clarence Layden; Irving Layden; Edward Layden; and Harold ‘Pat’ Layden.

The Van Gilder Funeral Home is caring for the Layden family. A funeral in honor of Violet will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Van Gilder Funeral Home, with Pastor Mark Harder officiating. Burial will follow at the New Oak Hill Cemetery. A time of visiting with the Layden family will be held on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Van Gilder Funeral Home.