Viola M. Toteno Palella Myers

RENSSELAER
Viola "Vi", 90 of Rensselaer, was called home to heaven in the early morning hours on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, peacefully in her sleep at her home. Vi was born August 26, 1933, in Albany, the daughter of the late Frank Toteno and Carmella (Galea) Toteno, who both emigrated to the United States from Calabria Italy around the late 1920's.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Katie and Philomena. Those left to affectionately mourn Vi are her seven children: Mary Ellen Palella (Pat Butler), John (Victoria) Palella, Jim (Paige) Toteno, Stephen (Janet) Palella, Danny (Candice) Palella, Tina (John) Bissaillon and Adam (Christine Zeolla) Toteno, her sister Alberta "Bert" Beach and brothers Joseph & Antonio. Vi was "Nonna" to her fourteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and loved by many nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom never left her home feeling hungry or unwelcomed! She was the epitome of the Italian Nonna in every sense of the word.

Vi's love for her family never ceased. She would always say how blessed she was to have her loved ones around her and would help in any way possible to take care of anyone in need. Her devotion to her Roman Catholic faith and to our Blessed Mother Mary never faltered, she was the best example in life of how a mother should be, raising her seven kids mostly as a single mom, she would recite the Rosary daily (never known to miss a day) and sending up prayers to "Jesus, Mary and Joseph" daily as well, helped to keep her going, giving her the strength to be the best mom we could have ever asked for. We have been beyond blessed to have had her with us for all her many years God graciously gave her to us, and we now rejoice that she is reunited with all her loved ones in heaven, our Lord Jesus, and his very Blessed Mother Mary.

Per Viola's request, there will be no calling hours or services. A celebration of her life will be a later date with her immediate family & friends.