Viola Hanke

Viola E. (Hazall) Hanke, 104, longtime resident of West Haven, CT, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born January 31, 1921 to the late Reuben and Alice (Decker) Hazall, Viola was raised in the Newhallville area of New Haven, CT, where she met her future husband, Herman F. Hanke. Married in 1940, the couple endured the trials of war early in their relationship as Herman deployed to the Pacific Theater during WWII. Upon his return, the couple settled down in West Haven, where they raised their two sons and numerous dogs, and remained happily married for 69 years until Herman’s death in 2008.

During the war, Viola worked at the Winchester Repeating Arms Factory. After taking some time to raise her two young children, she joined the West Haven High School cafeteria staff in the 1960s, working as a cashier, where she was beloved by the students and faculty alike.

As a young teen, she enjoyed singing, booking shows with her sisters at theaters throughout the state. This love of singing was lifelong, with Viola often spontaneously breaking out into song, bringing joy to all around her. She was an avid baker, never showing up to a family function without her famous Snickerdoodles, a recipe many have tried and failed to replicate to this day. She also loved games, especially Bingo.

Remaining to cherish Viola’s memory are her two sons, David Hanke (Gail) of Madison, and Gregory Hanke of Madison; three granddaughters, Karen Healey (Thomas) of Madison, Sheridan Luden (Raymond) of Branford, and Marci Sullivan (Matthew) of Madison; ten great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Viola was predeceased by her siblings, Dorothy (Hazall) Jones, Bernice Hazall and Donald Hazall.

Viola’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Apple Rehab Guilford staff for their wonderful care over the past eight years.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 10 to 11am at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green, 662 Savin Avenue, West Haven, Connecticut. A Funeral Service will begin at 11am in the funeral parlor.  Inurnment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, 871 Campbell Ave, West Haven, Connecticut.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Viola Hanke, please visit our floral store.