Viola Louise (Dickens) Aguiar, 86, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at her home in Salem, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones.
Viola was born on July 5, 1939, in Green Forest, Arkansas, to Osie (Clayborn) and Fred Dickens. She grew up surrounded by family and carried the values of kindness, generosity, and hard work with her throughout her life.
Viola met the love of her life, Manuel F. “Sam” Aguiar, and the two were married on November 27, 1956. Together, they began their adventurous life filled with travel, friendship, and family. Along the way, they formed many lifelong friendships, many of whom would become family, with people from around the world.
In 1970, Viola and Sam moved to Alaska with their children and settled in Gakona, where they made their home for the next 44 years. It was there that Viola became known for her warm hospitality and open heart. Her home was always full visitors, conversation and the comforting aroma of something cooking in the kitchen. Viola loved to cook and took great joy in feeding those around her. No one ever left her table hungry.
Viola had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome and cared for. Her generosity and gentle, kind demeanor drew people to her. Over the years, she lovingly “adopted” many children, grandchildren, and even entire families into her life. Her door was always open, and her home became a place of comfort for countless people. She shared her love freely and treated everyone she met as family.
Viola will be remembered for her quiet strength, her compassionate heart, and the many lives she touched through simple acts of kindness. She was deeply loved by family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey and his wife Shari, and James.
Viola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam; her infant son, Jerald; her mother, Osie; her father, Fred; her sisters, Gladys, Rena, and Mary; and her brother, Ray (Freddie).
Viola’s legacy of love, generosity, and hospitality will live on in the many people whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of life will be held in July 2026. Additional details will be announced at a later time.
