Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 10 AM
Kathryn Carol Violante, (née Nelson), 89, of Edina, MN, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026. Kay was born December 1, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois to Margaret and Eric Nelson. She was the oldest of 3 children. She married the love of her life, Dominic Violante, on April 15, 1956, and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary! Together they raised 3 sons and share 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Kay was a proud Swede who enjoyed reading (especially mysteries and suspense thrillers), gardening, and baking. She had a keen interest in art, painting and drawing, and was particularly fond of the art of Mary Cassatt. She was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed strong coffee with a teaspoon of sugar, honey with her tea, and scary movies. She reveled in going to the beach and flying kites with her sons when they were young. Babies, dogs, and cats always brought a sweet smile to her face; she loved animals of all kinds. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, dominoes, and card games. She was a mother to her core, committed to her family, with a gentle demeanor and unconditional love for others. She lovingly cared for her mother Margaret in her later years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Eric and Margaret.
She is survived by her loving husband Dominic; brother, Robert Nelson (Janet, d.); sister Gail Schaefer (Russ); sons Ed (Betsey), Michael (Paul), Todd (Kathy); grandchildren Nick (Mercedes), Sarah (Pat), Tony, Mike, Frances, Margaret (Dakota), Olivia and Dominic; great-grandchildren Lily, Vincent, James, and Isla, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at 9 AM, followed by the funeral mass. Following mass, there will be a luncheon at the church for those who would like to attend. There will be a private burial service for the family at Fort Snelling at 2PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, or Animal Humane Society of Minnesota.
