Violet Toffier Shattuck

Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 16, 2011

On the evening of Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, Violet Marie (Toffier) Shattuck of Canton passed away quietly from a very short illness at Robert Packer Hospital. She was 84 years of age.

Born in New Iberia, La. on Feb. 12, 1926, she was the daughter of Curtis and Mathilde (Decuir) Toffier. Growing up in rural Louisiana, as the second oldest child in a large family, she accepted responsibility at a very young age. Her family lived through some very tough economic times learning the importance of being a part of a closely-knit family. In 1945, while residing in Florida, she met her husband to be, Lloyd Shattuck, on a blind date. They were married May of 1947. They first lived with Lloyd’s parents on East Hill, in Elmira N.Y., and moved to Canton later that year. They raised a son and shared 57 years before Lloyd’s passing in 2005. Violet enjoyed working out of the home, and to hear her talk of that time in her life it is easy to believe she viewed her place of work more as a social club. Violet had several factory jobs with the last at Canford Manufacturing in Canton, Pa.; first as a machine operator, and finally as an inspector. Prior to working at Canford she worked at three area restaurants as a waitress: first for the former Twin-Tree, also the Canton Diner, and the Green Lantern Tavern where she prepared their signature dish, beer-battered fish. In 1960 she operated the local Tasty Freeze on Spring Brook Drive, and then later opened Vi’s Restaurant, next to the Canton Grill. Cooking truly was Violet’s gift, and she lovingly shared it with her family on a regular basis. Sharing Sunday dinners with her grandchildren was an absolute must. It was one of her deepest expressions of love. She taught by example and stressed the importance of respect to young people both within and outside her family. Violet was generous to all members in her family. If she knew there were something the grandchildren needed or wanted, she would respond, “Let me help out.” She was opinionated on almost any issue. She hated strife and was well known as the peacemaker in the family.

Violet is survived by her son Dennis (& Susan) Shattuck of Canton, Pa., brother Curtis (& Helen) Toffier of Loreauville, La., sisters Hazel (& Godwin) Sampey of Houma, La., brother-in-law (Walter Latiolais of Loreauville, La.), Tutty (& Russell) Ruiz of Loreauville, La., Mary Lou Toffier (& companion Pearl Clark) of Fresno, Calif., Patricia Verret of Loreauville, La., and Cheryl (& Roy) Vincent, of Loreauville, La., grandchildren Wendy Shattuck of Blossburg, Pa., Tony (& Tabitha) Shattuck of Jacksonville, N.C., Jackie Shattuck of Clark Summit, Pa., Renee Shattuck of Canton, Pa., and Stephanie (& Zack) Martin of North Pole, Alaska, two self-adopted grandchildren, Megan and Moriah Puckett of Louisiana as well as five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Latiolais, and brother-in-law Robert Verret.

Calling hours will be from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14 at Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center St., Canton, Pa. A celebration of her life will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. J. Herbert Eby officiating.

 Internment will be in the East Canton Cemetery.