Obituary of Viola Mae Oskam

Viola (“Vi”) Mae Oskam passed from this life, peacefully in her sleep, on January 13, 2023 at the age of 97 years. She was born in Bothell, Washington on September 13, 1925 to Charles E. Woods and Velma E. (Gibson) Woods, and graduated from Bothell High School.

During WWII she met Dirk (“Dick”) Oskam, and they were married on Dec. 7, 1943.  After Dirk’s return from his tour of duty in the Pacific, the couple settled in Renton and raised four children: son James “Jim” (Yong) and daughters Debra Davis (Leslie), Patricia Combs (Dan), and Karen Say (Ray).  Vi spent her career working for the Port of Seattle near the docks and retired to her home in Federal Way in 1986.

Vi will be especially remembered for her warmth, whether through the gift of a quilt or the generosity of her love. She enjoyed few things more than square dancing and gardening - except perhaps catering to her sweet tooth and sharing a treat with whichever child or dog happened to be by her side. Her thoughtfulness in caring for her friends and family will be incredibly missed, but always treasured.

Dirk, Jim, and Debra preceded Vi in passing, as did her granddaughter Nikki. Daughters Patricia (Bloomington, Indiana) and Karen (Federal Way) survive her. 

Vi leaves behind seven surviving grandchildren: Janet, Caroline, Jeffrey, Levi, Erin, Katie, and Jennifer (with whom Vi raised and shared her home and life throughout childhood until adulthood). 

She will also be lovingly remembered by her twelve great-grandchildren (Spencer, Donovan, Griffey, Mathis, Rowan, Brandon, Alyssa, Sydney, Sawyer, Sonya, Sophia, and Wyatt) and great-great-grandson (Matthew). 

A private family graveside ceremony was held Wednesday, January 25 at 11:00AM at Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way.