Violet Nickoli Robinson, 94, of Fairbanks, died unexpectedly on February 21, 2026, at her home.
She was born March 15, 1931, in Chistochina to the late Charles “Moose” Heldon Johnson and Jessie J. Nickoli.
Violet lost her stepfather, Little John Nickoli, in 1945, and after her ailing mother was hospitalized, she joined the family of Fred and Louise Neeley, owners of the Chistochina Lodge. As their foster daughter, she and their son, Sy Neeley, attended the Alaska Territorial School in Glennallen during the winters. In 1949, Violet married Bruce Robinson of Chickaloon, Alaska.
Before her time in Fairbanks, she lived in Trims Camp and construction camps for the Road Commission and DOT Stations from 1958-1962. Violet worked as a store clerk and volunteer for JC Penny’s, Alaskaland, and the Yukon Quest.
Independent and active, Violet loved life in Fairbanks, making regular trips to Glennallen for Ahtna annual meetings, visiting family, and collecting salmon from the fishwheel.
She had a heart for dogs and loved sewing and tending to her plants. She adored her beloved poodle whom she always saved a little something from her meals for.
Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce; brothers, Andrew Nickoli and Douglas “Sy” Neeley; and niece Karen Neeley.
She is survived by her half-sister, Mary Morris; sister-in-law, Carol Neeley; nieces, Sharon Daniel, Shannon Saavedra and Shirley Nelson.
A memorial service was held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Farmers Loop in Fairbanks with Rev. Zachery Babbs officiating. Inurnment will take place this summer at Birch Hill Cemetery.
