Violet Bayer Riegel

On February 11, Violet Bayer Riegel passed away peacefully after a short illness at the age of 87.   Violet was vibrant, upbeat, and as beautiful as her name.  She was loved dearly by her husband, children, sisters and countless friends. She will be greatly missed by all.

Violet (“Vi”) was the eldest of three daughters of the late Alice and Harry Bayer.  After a happy childhood in Ridgewood, NJ, Violet left home for college at age 17.  Soon after arriving at Bucknell University she met her future husband, Charles “Bud” Riegel, then a junior.

One of Vi’s favorite stories was how she was smitten from the first moment she saw Bud playing piano in her sorority (Kappa Kappa Gamma) lounge.  Just a Fall Freshman, Violet was determined he was “the one”.  He was.  Violet enjoyed 65 years of marriage with her beloved college sweetheart and eternal love.

Violet was passionate about many things.  She had a brilliant mind that constantly consumed and embraced life in all its wonders.  Her priority to family and friends, however, remained the unwavering focus of her life – and she took every opportunity to enhance the lives of those she cared about most.

With detailed attention, Violet planned educational and adventurous trips for her husband, children and her eight grandchildren to points throughout the United States and distant lands.  With Bud by her side, they visited every continent, including the north and south poles.

Back home, Violet’s vision and creativity blessed many a joyful party, from family holidays to square dances, large garden parties and formal dinners.  Her grandchildren delighted when Easter eggs were carefully hidden throughout their property, one of many family traditions.

A gifted designer with a lifelong passion for American antique furniture, Violet applied her knowledge and skill to her own home, furnishing it with found gems from local auctions.  Her expertise and interests led her to volunteer at the Winterthur Museum, where she was ultimately called on to create the yearly Yuletide Tours.  She set the standard for future exhibitions by meticulously researching every detail for historical accuracy, and incorporating a little whimsy to help visitors imagine holidays in a different place and time.

Always on the move, Vi volunteered in various organizations throughout her life, including the Delaware Antique Show, Point-to-Point, and the Wilmington Country Club.  She helped establish SODAT, the oldest continuously operating outpatient substance abuse agency in the State of Delaware.

Simple things in life gave her the most satisfaction, particularly if she were sharing with a loved one.  A good game of bridge or tennis, a call or note to her sisters, lunch outside on a beautiful day, or a long walk were all treasured moments.  Violet loved to hug her family, note a bird hopping by, curl up with a good book, dig in her garden, and, most especially, hold the hand of her best friend, Bud.  Never have you seen such a beautiful couple float across the dance floor, always the first, and last to leave.

Violet is survived by her husband, Charles “Bud” Riegel MD, her sisters :  Roberta Schlacks and Susan DiPietro; her children: Scott (Melissa) Riegel, Stephen (Lisa) Riegel and Jacqueline (John) Kairis; Her grandchildren: Nathaniel Riegel, Matthew (Emma) Riegel, Abigail Riegel, Harry (Meaghan) Riegel, Sophie Riegel, Margaretta Kairis, John Kairis Jr., Lillian Kairis; and great grandchildren:  Beniah, Carmella, and Leonardo Kairis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in memory of Violet to Winterthur Museum, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware 19735.