Violet L. Esker 1926-2019

Vi was born Violet Louise Lengyel on Aug. 13, 1926, to Hungarian immigrants Helen Peck and Louis Lengyel and grew up in Youngstown, residing on the West and East sides with her parents and siblings Helen and Louis.

Vi graduated from The Rayen School in 1945, where she participated in baseball, basketball and volleyball. She married James O’Connell at Our Lady of Hungary Church in 1947 and they had four children: Terrance, James, Kathleen, and Karen, eventually settling in Austintown, where she lived the remainder of her life. Jim passed away unexpectedly in 1971, and in 1974 she married Robert J. Esker, who died in 1992.

Vi was a lively and creative woman who loved crafting and dancing. She was known for her baking, especially during the holidays, making scores of cookies and sweets, including kiffle and kolachi. She loved beautiful things and took pride in decorating her home.

Vi was also an active member of Our Lady of Hungary and belonged to the garden club. She was very proud of her Hungarian heritage.

Vi is survived by her children, Terry (Cathy) of Beverly Hills, Fla., Kathy Horton of Youngstown, and Karen Tyndall of Austintown; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.

Besides her parents and husbands, Vi was predeceased by her beloved brother Louis, a professor of business at Youngstown University, in 1963; and her sister Helen Giudice in 1998. Vi also lost her son, Jimmy, who was mentally disabled, in 1982;her grandson John Horton in 2012; and her special niece, Judy Gibson in 2015.

There were no services.

(special notice)