Violet Andrade

Violet “Vi” Andrade-Black, 83, passed away on February 14, 2020, joyfully entering into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was born on January 25, 1937, in Salinas, California.

Violet had the heart of a loving servant and a heart for God. Her vibrant, caring personality touched the heart of every person she met. She had an uncanny ability to make anyone feel like family. Some of her passions included shopping, golf, tennis, travel, and cooking; oh, and did we mention shopping! However, her biggest passions included loving her husband, her family, and her God with all of her heart.

The Heart of a Loving & Passionate Wife:

Violet, aka Snookums, was blessed to be survived by her husband and the love of her life, David Ellis Black. Their marriage exemplified one with an intense passion for one another and included a strong sense of authenticity, humility, and love. The love shared between Violet and David has been a beacon of light and hope for all. Violet always brought her sassy and spunky personality along with her keeping David on his toes at all times–a characteristic of his wife that he loved dearly. Whether at church, a trip to Costco, or in the privacy of their own home, Violet was unapologetically herself and brought an immense amount of joy and laughter into David’s life. They shared a once in a lifetime kind of love. A love that shone brightly for those who had the opportunity to behold the beauty of their relationship. The love that Violet shared with David was pure and intoxicating–it is a love that will remain in his heart until the end of his days, and of which he will pass on to all who come across him.

The Heart of a Caring & Protective Sister:

Violet is preceded by her mother and father, Valentina and Ernesto Reyes. She was one of 9 children. As their parents often worked in the fields for long periods at a time, Violet stepped up alongside her other sister Evie as a second mother to her siblings. The love she had for her brothers and sisters compelled her to serve as one who would provide, protect, and care for them. Many of their warmest childhood memories often included her willingness to do anything to please her siblings. From using her imagination to join their adventures as cowboys and Indians to buying her siblings the clothes they needed to avoid embarrassment at school, no task was too big for their sister Violet. She would do anything in her power to ensure her brothers and sisters had all they ever needed.

She is survived by her siblings Polly de la Cerna, Sonny Reyes (Janet), Gloria Reyes, Juliette Flores (Mitch), Ernie Reyes Jr., (Margie), and Ernestine Galvin (Mike).  She is preceded by her sisters Evelyn Ramirez (Santos) and Rosalie Greene (Larry).

The Heart of a Providing & Sacrificial Mother:

Violet was a mother who gave birth to 6 sons but considered herself a mother of 11 as she treated each daughter-in-law as her own. Her loving nature as a provider during her childhood carried over into motherhood. Often hard at work, Violet was a sacrificial mother who would do anything to give her children the world. As a woman of faith, it was her purpose to cultivate a righteous heart for God within each one of her sons. She was diligent and nurturing in her ways, making sure her boys knew right from wrong by enforcing loving discipline as needed; this included what likely seemed to be torture at the time for the boys as she would make them hold each other’s hand amid their fighting. She was their master chef, pouring all of her love into each dish she made–of which her sons loved. Though the family didn’t always have the most money, she’d be sure to, at the very least, make her sons their favorite meal for their birthday. From childhood to adulthood, her sons will always remember their mother as their biggest fan. As a child, this meant hooting and hollering at every sports event so that she could be heard clear as day from outside the stadium. And as an adult, this meant praying diligently for her boys to succeed in everything they did. From chasing success in their careers to raising a loving family–she wanted nothing but the best for her boys.

She is survived by her sons, as well as daughter-in-laws, Randy Andrade (Rose), Joseph Andrade (Kimberly), Jeffery Andrade (Lisa), Rodney Andrade (Kristin), Andrew Andrade, and Sandra Vella Andrade.  She was preceded by Dortaeo Andrade.

The Heart of a Proud, Affectionate Grandmother:

Violet was a Lola to many–her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. Proud would almost be an understatement as she was known to boast about her many grandchildren and their incredible accomplishments. Her sass and spunk will remain a part of her standing legacy providing her grandchildren with long-lasting memories such as her pole dancing in Vegas, kickboxing at her 80th birthday, and a beautiful hula dance at the family Christmas party. Most of all, her grandchildren will miss her fashion sense, her laughter, and her love. She often made guest appearances on her grandchildren’s social media feeds for her incredible fashion sense. Her laughter filled the room and brought immense joy to all her grandchildren. And every chance she got, she spoiled her grandchildren with her love, which often included her infamous dollar store gifts and endless bags of sweets, but her hugs and kisses were all they ever really wanted–however, the gifts and sweets never hurt.

Her legacy lives on through her 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and her 2 great-great-grandchildren.  Grandchildren: Sancho Martinez (Gina), Travis Andrade (Esmee), Nicholas Andrade, Kailani Andrade, Lanae Romero (Spencer), Alina Vi Andrade, Jordan Andrade, Tiana Andrade, Alyssa Andrade, Keanu Andrade and Ashley Andrade.  Great-grandchildren: Roquell Bedolla (Elias), Gabriell Martinez, Peyton Romero, Levi Romero and Kailer Romero.  Great-great-grandchildren: Isabella and Stella Bedolla.

The Heart of a Faithful Child of God:

Violet once said, “What can you do to change the world? That’s what I always think–how can I use my blessings to show others how great God is?”

As a strong woman of God, she did everything in her power to progress the gospel. She had a servant’s heart actively serving at her church (Harbor Light), in the women’s ministries, with the prayer team, led a life group, and was a leader in the Cleansing Streams Ministry for over 15 years. For years Violet played a vital role in the Michael John Ministries. She was a cheerful giver and would take advantage of any opportunity to share her testimony and express her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Violet’s many nicknames included Hot Stuff, Lolo Jones, Mom, Beulet, V-Victor-I, Chocolaté and David’s favorite, Snookums.

A “Hawaiian Style” Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Harbor Light Church, 4760 Thornton Ave. Fremont CA. 94536, 1:00 PM. Proceeding the Celebration of Life service will be a reception at the same location, Harbor Light Church, in honor of Violet. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cleansing Streams Ministry, PO Box 3765, Antioch, CA 94531 Memo: In honor of Vi Andrade-Black.