Violetta Ann Gentile (nee Hankey) died peacefully on April 22, 2018 at the age of 94. Vi, as she liked to be called, is survived by her son Jim (Lynn Wypych) Gentile, grandchildren Lindsay (Dan) Weber, Dr. Darren (Dr. Jill Larson) van Beek, and Gabby Gentile. She will fondly be remembered by her great grandchildren Anna and Joshua Weber and soon to be baby van Beek. She is preceded in death by her husband the Honorable Henry A. Gentile and daughter Barbara van Beek.

Vi was born on August 19, 1923 in Blue Island, Illinois to William and Violetta Hankey (nee Schreiber). She graduated from Blue Island High School in 1941 and worked as an executive assistant at Morton Salt of Chicago. Commuting to work via the train is where she met her husband, Henry Gentile, of 36 years in 1947. Over the next 8 years the couple welcomed 2 children into their home. Her friends will remember her as a long time member of the Palos Park Women’s Club and her family will remember her as a loving mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Visitation Tuesday, April 24, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service Wednesday, April 25, 2018, 10:30 a.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave., (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Interment Private at Mount Greenwood Cemetery, Chicago, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400.