Viola Carnelli Wells, 94, of Simsbury, formerly of West Hartford, died unexpectedly on March 21, 2015. Known to all as Vi, she was born and raised in Hartford, the daughter of Mary and Oscar Carnelli, and following graduation from Bryant College, she worked in the insurance industry. She married the love of her life, John Wells, in 1947 finally settling in West Hartford, and raised three children: Carol, Barbara, and John. She eventually returned to the insurance business working for CIGNA Corporation until her retirement. Vi loved to read and was a fixture in the local libraries. She was an avid and accomplished bridge player and for decades was a member of the Hartford Bridge Club, among other venues. She loved art and at various times was a patron of the Wadsworth Atheneum and the New Britain Museum of American Art. She adored the theater; for many years she made a monthly trip to Broadway to see the latest productions. Most weeks you could find her at a local movie theater, where, if she could not get someone to go with her she went herself, catching the latest releases whether an Indie, a foreign or a major studio release; it didn’t matter as long as it was a quality production. But perhaps her fondest hobby was as a “personal” shopper for family and friends. She coined the term decades before it became a profession. We’ll remember her best for her zest for life—she was constantly in motion; it was her fountain of youth, that, and perhaps her 4PM cocktail. Never a day passed, weather permitting, that she was not getting into her car and going somewhere. She had a favorite saying, “Get over it.” What she meant was don’t dwell on the past—always look to the future and the opportunities each new day brings. That was vintage Vi Wells. She was vibrant, classy, and stylish. She was a true lady – refined, polite and well-spoken and interested in almost everything and everybody. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a staunch sister, a doting aunt and a loyal friend. She will be greatly missed—she was unique. Vi leaves her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Don Andreotta of West Hartford, her brother, Raymond Carnelli, of West Hartford, her sister-in-law, Rita Carnelli, of Highland Lake and Singer Island, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, John, her daughter, Barbara, her son, John, and her brother, Victor. The family wishes to express its sincerest appreciation to residents and staff of McLean of Simsbury—her last years were made very memorable by her association with everyone she met. There will be no calling hours and funeral services will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen