Violet E. Gerber

Violet E. “Vi” Gerber, formerly of John Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Jefferson Court in Brookville.

She was born February 20, 1926, in Force, daughter of the late Faustino and Jennie Cameroni Poinelli.  Violet took great pride in her Italian heritage and enjoyed sharing stories about her ancestors, who had worked in the coal mines, as well as recounting her many adventures throughout "the valley" and surrounding towns including Force, Cardiff, Weedville, Byrndale, Coal Hollow, Tyler, etc... Violet was small in stature, she had a big personality, was proudly independent and possessed a generous spirit.  She began working at a young age, sending much of her paychecks to support her parents.  Violet also volunteered at her church, drove relatives to medical appointments, and dedicated many years to helping others as the Activity Director at Elk Haven Nursing Home in St. Marys, PA.

On August 12, 1950, in St. Boniface Church in Kersey, PA, Violet married the late James F. Gerber, who preceded her in death on January 11, 2002.

She is survived by her daughter, Judie Maholtz (John) of New Bethlehem; three sons: Don Gerber (Connie) of Centennial, CO, Ken Gerber (Cathy) of Wilcox, and Jack Gerber (Chris) of Springville, NY; nine grandchildren: Tim, Angela, Matthew, Jessica, Hannah, Stephanie, Danielle, Ryan, and Eric; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Violet was preceded in death by her sister, Veronica Engel and her brother, Robert Poinelli.

Violet had a wide range of interests, but her family was always her top priority.  She cherished hosting gatherings at her John Street home in St. Marys, welcoming loved ones to their cottage at Treasure Lake in DuBois, PA, and organizing memorable family trips to the Outer Banks beaches where polka lessons were always on the agenda.  Violet was passionate about polka dancing and spent many years as an enthusiastic member of the Polka Boosters.  She was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed their social gatherings.  She also participated in activities at the St. Marys Senior Center and enjoyed playing cards with her card clubs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

No visitation is planned. A private Celebration of Life for Violet will be held at Treasure Lake with her immediate family to honor her legacy later this spring.

We sincerely appreciate Penn Highlands Hospice and the compassionate aides at Jefferson Court for their outstanding care and genuine concern. If you wish, memorial donations can be directed to Penn Highlands Hospice Memorial Fund, 757 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.