Althea May (Maine) Viamari

Althea May (Maine) Viamari danced her way through Heaven’s gate on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. She was 86 years old, but those that knew her would attest that she had the pep and energy of a 26-year-old. Althea – more lovingly and famously known as Chooch – may have been small in stature, but she had the heart and courage of a lioness and the strength and determination of a momma bear. When she was 47, she lost the love of her life, Joseph Viamari, Sr. and Chooch became a single mother to five children. They were the pride and joy of her world. She was determined to give her kids a good life and opportunities she never had. She succeeded in a big way. She worked long days in the kitchen of The Geriatric Authority of Holyoke, and many nights and weekends banquet waitressing and tending bar. She worked tirelessly and never complained.  Prior to the loss of her husband, she was an integral part of running the family business, Viamari's Restaurant in West Springfield, and was one of the smiling faces that would greet you at the door. Chooch has an incredible zest for life and was the life of every party. She was always first to the dance floor and never missed a good line dance! She was a proud lifelong resident of Holyoke but in the winter you could find her in Clearwater, Florida spending time with many longtime good friends, frequenting the Elks Club dinner dances and game nights, and organizing and attending cocktail and dinner parties galore. She was always up for happy hour 2 for 1 margaritas at her favorite haunt, the Rhumba Grill.  She loved all things baseball, the game, the park and the people. She was a diehard Red Sox fan and loved working as a greeter for the Phillies Spring training. She loved helping people  and she volunteered for the American Red Cross and at the Big E assisting lost people each year. She was a member of the Elks Lodge, the American Legion and the Sons of Erin. She loved to read, completed any puzzle she could get her hands on, and entertained anyone and everyone around the pool all summer long. Family was everything to her. She will be forever cherished by her brother, Jerome Maine, and by her children, Cheryl Felsentreger and husband, Mark; Karlene Maine and husband Charles Romano; Kim Evans; Joseph “Jay” Viamari, Jr. and wife, Susan; and Gino Viamari, Sr. and wife, Jennifer.  She will also be greatly missed by her countless family members and friends. Her favorite guests in the summer and all year long were her 13 grandchildren – Jeremy and wife, Justine, Crystal and husband, Jason, Joey, Katie, Anna, Jake, Cole, Trent, Case, Gino Sam, Randy, Jason and Kaylin – and her 6 great grandchildren – Carter, Camden, Cayson, Cooper, Savannah and Charlotte. Any day by the pool could be a pop-up shindig, and Chooch was thrilled every time! Anyone who met Chooch loved Chooch. Her laughter was contagious, her blue eyes were bright, and her love was beyond measurable. She will forever be missed. The funeral will be held Monday, November 28th at 9:00 a.m. from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. Burial will follow at Saint Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, November 27th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and to the American Red Cross.

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