November 15, 1928 – November 27, 2022
Viola Lee Herzberg was born November 15, 1928 in Minot, North Dakota, to Ole and Olga Lee. She passed away at age 94 on November 27, 2022.
Viola was born prematurely, weighing just over 2 pounds, and kept warm in a shoebox placed in the warming oven of the stove! She spent her childhood on the Circle L Ranch near Carpio, ND, and attended primary grades in a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Carpio High School in 1946, and completed her teacher’s certification at Minot State College. She met Harold Herzberg in high school (LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT) and were married April 30, 1948. They farmed in Renville County, ND, and she taught in one-room rural schools.
Harold and Viola had one child, Craig, born July 5, 1952. Viola encouraged her son in all his school and sports endeavors, served as a Boy Scout Den Mother, and was PTA President. Viola and Harold supported Craig’s passion for riding motorcycles and his love for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Craig sadly passed away March 1, 1972 due to complications following brain surgery.
Harold, Viola and Craig moved from the farm in North Dakota to the Los Angeles area in the mid-1950’s. Some of Harold’s family members had moved to California and urged the young couple to “MOVE WEST”! Although Harold and Viola loved California, they both were very proud of being from North Dakota and their rural upbringing.
Viola loved life and being with family and friends. She organized many family camping trips in California (Big Bear, Lake Isabella, Lake Piru, and San Antonio Lake). Viola loved going to yard sales with her late sister-in-law, Carol, and also hosting many family gatherings. She wrote a column in the community newspaper in Whittier, CA. Summers were spent traveling to North Dakota and spending time at Salton Sea Beach, CA, where the family loved to ride motorcycles and dune buggies and enjoy the lake. Viola loved to travel and was always the “travel agent” and “navigator” anywhere they went.
Harold and Viola moved to the Salton Sea Beach area full-time in 1983. But “Retirement” was not their goal. She obtained her real estate license and broker’s license, eventually owning her own company, Desert Shores Realty. Harold was active in the fire department, serving as Volunteer Fire Chief for many years. They both were very active in the community serving as EMTs on the Ambulance team, Howdy Neighbors and Treasure Trails events, the Property Owners Association, and were key volunteers in the annual Christmas Parade (serving as Honorary Parade Grand Marshalls a few times).
Harold passed away in 2016 and Viola moved to Mesa, AZ in 2018 to be closer to her brother and sister and their families. She was a resident at Fellowship Square’s Independent Living in Mesa. She loved having family close, and she made many new friends at Fellowship Square. Viola looked forward each day to visiting with her friends, playing Rummikub, and working on puzzles.
Viola was curious and intelligent – always eager to learn new things. On a trip to Pinetop/Lakeside in Oct. 2021, she was so excited to travel to a new area, see the beautiful scenery, and wondered how they built those roads going up on the Rim!
Viola was also resilient, especially through recent health challenges. She moved to Assisted Living at Fellowship Square in August and was always so happy when her friends from “Building 4” would stop by. You could count on a great visit with Vi – either in person, on the phone or by text! She admitted she loved to talk! While Viola made new friends, she always treasured the friendships made throughout her life. She kept in contact with many of them!
Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Olga Lee, her husband Harold, their son Craig, and brothers Robert Lee and Don Lee, and Harold’s siblings. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Moe, and brothers Larry (Bonnie) Lee and Alan (Linda) Lee, and her sisters-in-law Barbara Lee and Mary Herzberg. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.
Many people loved Viola and will miss her.
A Memorial Service will be held at Fellowship Square, Building 5, on Monday, December 12th, at 10:00 am. A light lunch will be provided after the service.
Graveside services will be held in California at a later date.
