Viola Theresa (Alessandro) Najjar

Viola Theresa (Alessandro) Najjar – Born March 6, 1931 in Johnstown, daughter of Giuseppe and Giovanna (Giglotti) Alessandro.  Preceded in death by parents, husband of 50 years George Najjar, Jr. who died in 1999, daughter, Barbara Najjar, 2024, sisters, Serafina Alessandro, Rita Polca, Mary Ramirez, brothers, Anthony Alessandro, and John Alessandro.  Viola is survived by her children, Evelyn McCallum (Joseph) Encinitas, CA, Carolyn Najjar (Tony Kordell) Mann’s Choice, PA, Christine Larsen (Clark) Columbus, OH, Larry (Caryn) Louisville, KY, George, Louisville, KY, Joann Mathews (Dave) Jeannette, PA, Michael (Lisa) San Francisco, CA, Mary Angela Wilkinson (Rob) Jeannette, PA, Paul Louisville, KY, and Michelle Santee (Keith) Johnstown, PA.  Grandchildren Matthew McCallum, Michael McCallum, Spencer Larsen, Philip Najjar, Marc (Thea) Stranger-Najjar, Natalie Najjar, Courtney Najjar, Annette Germana (Michael Huang), Elizabeth Germana (Michael Carnicella), Christopher Santee (Carmen Ponce), Mathilda Corbett (Cameron), Lee Santee (Leah).  Great-Grandchildren: Henry Stranger-Najjar, Rupert Stranger-Najjar, Violet Carnicella, Carmelo Carnicella, Skylar Santee, Zoey Santee, Laurel Santee, Elias Santee, Maeve Santee. Son-in-law, Jim Hijiya (husband of Barbara).  Brother-in-law, James Najjar, and sister-in-law, Jane Stewart.  Special niece Josie McVicker as well as numerous other nephews and nieces.  Special friend Renee Carthew.  A very special thanks to Interim Hospice nurse Jenna and Dr. Richard Kastelic as well as other Interim staff that helped her during her journey.

Viola lived a full life filled with a fierce devotion to God, family, and service.  Her passion for teaching others to swim began at 11 years old when she took lessons at the YWCA.  That began her 79 year career at the YW starting out as a volunteer for the swim classes and ending as the Aquatics Director in 2021 at 90 years old.  Many people knew her as “Vi from the Y” teaching multiple generations of families.  She deeply missed teaching after her retirement but she took comfort in knowing she helped many not to be afraid of a wonderful activity.  Her many other hats, besides wife and mother, were working as a volunteer at her children’s elementary school cafeterias, lunch lady at Bishop McCort High School cafeteria for 25 years, and providing swimming lessons around the Greater Johnstown area.  Her greatest passion, though, was her love of God.  She maintained that love until her final days, watching the mass, saying multiple rosaries a day, and always praying.  She shared her love of church with her sweetheart, George.  Before he passed, they served 12:05pm mass every weekday at St. John Gualbert.  She continued serving for 24 years after he was gone until she was physically unable to do so.  She was the quintessential teacher in all aspects of her life.  She was a great example to her children of how to live for the Lord through love and works, always giving of herself.  She took her gift of hospitality very seriously.  She always welcomed whoever came to their family’s home with a warm smile and usually a plate of food.  She even fed the transients that came off the rails a block from her home in Hornerstown where they would show up at her backdoor, in desperate need of food.  Her life was impactful on anyone that knew her because she spread God’s love so freely, never keeping it to herself.

Friends will be received from 4-7 on Friday June 12, 2026 at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, 921 Menoher Blvd. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. John Gualbert Cathedral, Rev. Matthew Baum officiating.  Entombment Grandview Cemetery.

No flowers are necessary for the family.  Instead, Viola would be honored if you made a donation to St. John Gualbert Cathedral, 117 Clinton St., Johnstown, PA 15901.  And if you think of it, add her in your prayers every now and then and know she will be smiling down on you from Heaven…

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