Violet Rita Burgess (née Vollmar), affectionately known as Vi, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Red Bank, New Jersey, at the age of 98, with her son Robert by her side. Born on November 18, 1926, in New York City, Violet's vibrant personality and love for life were evident from an early age. During her school years, she was a print model where her pictures graced many publications, including the Sears catalog. She graduated from Julia Richman High School in New York City and went on to have a distinguished career as an Executive Secretary at Bell Labs/Lucent, where she worked for over 25 years. After her retirement, Violet volunteered as a tour guide in the Farmhouse at Longstreet Farm, Holmdel Park. In her later years, Violet moved from Holmdel to Shadow Lake Village and finally to the Chelsea in Shrewsbury.

Violet was a friendly, social, and generous person, known for her distinctive red hair and penchant for bright-colored jewelry and clothing. Her hobbies included crafting, visiting flea markets, arranging flowers, and collecting figurines, each piece tellng a story of her adventures and travels. These activities were a reflection of her creative spirit and her appreciation for beauty in everyday life.

She is survived by her son Robert Burgess and his wife Shauna, her daughter Kathleen Gormley, and five grandsons: Ryan Burgess and his wife Courtney, Patrick Burgess, and Richard, James, and Shawn Gormley. Shawn's wife Mercy, along with five great-grandchildren: Mikey Burgess, Sofia Burgess, Gabriella Gormley, Brianna Smith, and Paige Gormley, also survive her. Violet was preceded in death by her husband, James Burgess, and her grandson, Jamie Burgess.

Violet's legacy is marked by her warmth, her vibrant personality, and her generous spirit. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

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