Vickie Edwards Obituary

Many years, many memories...what a lady! I will miss my friend Vick.




Polly Montano

Diane and I are very saddened by your loss Randy. Vickie was a very special person with a large heart and love to everyone. Please keep in touch.

Dear Randy and Marissa, We were shocked and so saddened to hear of Vickie's passing!! Every year since we left Rota, Spain, we looked forward to your Christmas card chronicles and photos of Marissa growing up and the sweet pet photos. Your card always arrived early, signalling the beginning of our Christmas celebration. Marissa, we attended your baptism in Rota. What a gift you were to your parents! You changed their lives. I still can see Vickie's beaming face when she told me the news that she was pregnant. We were at a JAG party in Rota at the time. I jumped up and down and squealed like an idiot... Vickie brought out the craziness in her friends. Her zest for life was inspirational. The thing that is brightest in my memory of Vickie is that dazzling smile of hers and that twinkle in her eye! May you be comforted by such a full legacy of love that she has left for both of you.

I just looked at all the pictures again and what a wonderful collection of memories you have made over the years! It certainly brought back many memories of the good times Vickie and I shared as cousins growing up together in Colorado. She was a very special person, with a wonderful gift of being genuinely interested in others and the things going on in their lives. We shall all miss Vickie for many reasons, but I will especially miss her wonderful sense of humor and her memory of family events. I learned more about our family by talking with Vickie than I did by going to family gatherings!

Vickie and I have been friends since 1977 when I invited her to breakfast at Sambos and she had to pay because I had no money. She was a blast to tourist with and she was the best tour guide in Tiajauna ever. The only problem was no bathroom for the whole day! Any time we were together we had fun. We are sorry for your loss and you will be in our thoughts.

When we moved to Hanford from Quebec Canada, Vickie was the first to welcome us to the neighborhood with a gift of homemade cookies. She was always there to help when needed and my daughter Ann-Marie had become friends with Marissa even though she was not able to speak english yet. In our short 2 years that we lived by your family, Vickie had made a great impression on us with her kindness and generosity toward our family.

Our deepest sympathies go out to both of you, Randy and Marissa. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.

I met Vickie in 3rd grade. I was the new kid in school and she was the most welcoming of friends. My longest standing friendship was with Vickie. The last time she was in Durango, my husband (Mark Coburn) and I took her to lunch at the Himalayan Kitchen. As usual, she was up for an adventure. Mark found her to be as delightful as I always did--not only was her smile bright, but her enthusiastic attitude shone like a star. We were hoping to see her again this summer. We will miss you Vickie. But we are better for having had you as a friend.
With love to Randy and Marissa--I know there is a void in your lives that cannot be filled, but always remember the love and joy she brought you.

Randy and Marissa,
Please know we are thinking about you and wishing you peace now and in the days to come. Vickie celebrated life everyday and we are all better for knowing her and experiencing her unbridled joy.

Randy and Marissa, Vickie and I go all the way back to elementary school and thru High School. So many memories and laughs! I'm so glad that we had lunch together at the 40th Reunion along w/some of the other Pleasant Valley girls! I know your loss is huge and my thoughts and prayers are with you! (I know Vickie would have loved the obituary you wrote - it's very special!) We will miss her!

Rhonda (Cheesman) VanDruff

Randy and Marisa, I will always remember our wonderful time together when Vickie lived with me during the time you were overseas. I looked forward to every summer when Vickie stayed with me. Her laugh was infectious , her love genuine she made life fun and worth living. She inspired me to enjoy life. I love her dearly and I will miss her for so many reasons.

The world has lost a shining light with the loss of Vickie. I am so sorry and saddened with the news. What a wonderful, caring, generous woman with a zest for shopping like I've never seen before! The queen of collectors! Vickie was so good to me in Rota always willing to watch the kids while the rest of us went out and played racers :-) Thank you! I will miss your laugh, your smile, and your genuine interest in my life.
When I look up in the sky and see a bright shining star, I know it's you looking down on all of us - you will always be apart of my life. Thank you!
My love and thoughts are with Randy and Marissa.
Love, Wendy

We were so sorry to hear of Vickie's passing.She was a creative and amazing person who inspired everyone with her sweet smile and genuine caring demeanor. Tom and I will never forget the time we spent together on Okinawa with our cooking club and touring adventures.
May your love be your borrowed strength, your quiet comfort and your healing hope. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sadness. With sympathy, Cheryl & Tom Henry

One thing about Vickie was her incredible memory. She remembered where you sat in Mrs. Freeman's English class, what you wore on any occasion, your birthday, anniversary, favorite foods, movies, music,... She remembered your parents, grandparents, spouses, brothers/sisters and all things about them. As I reflect Vickie's personality, it was more than an incredible memory. It was a genuine interest in our lives and what is valuable. Vickie, we value you.

Another legacy of Vickie's is being the Editor of Palmer High School Terror Trail Yearbook. Thank you for the memories, Vickie. Job well done. Life well lived.

I Remember when I was a little girl and I use to spend the night with Rissy. I remember the hospitality , how sweet, and attentive Mrs Vickie Edwards was. She would always get us Boston pizza and make sure we were comfortable ;-).. From ginger bread houses to pool parties. She was a fabulous mother. May you rest in paradise. Rissy and Randy Stay strong. turn to God for comfort. You will meet again

Randy and Marissa,
I will always remember Vickie as a kind and generous person who was devoted to her family. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.

One thing about Vickie was her incredible memory. She remembered where you sat in Mrs. Freeman's English class, what you wore on any occasion, your birthday, anniversary, favorite foods, movies, music.... She remembered your parents, grandparents, spouse, other friends, brothers/sisters and all things about them. As I reflect Vickie's personality, it was more than an incredible memory. It was her genuine interest in our lives and what is valuable. Vickie, we value you.

Another legacy of Vickie's is being Editor of the Palmer High School 1971 Terror Trail Yearbook. Thank you for the memories, Vickie. Job well done. Life well lived.

Randy and Marissa,
I'm so sorry to hear of Vickie's passing. Although I haven't seen her in more years than I will even acknowledge being alive, I can always picture her smiling, beautiful face. I don't believe I've ever known anyone who could ask so many questions and have a genuine interest in learning the answers. Her mind worked so fast she could leave my head spinning. I was happy to have her as a friend. The best legacy she could leave is her family she loved so much. May the closeness you two share carry you through these hard times.

Vickie was such a bright light - full of enthusiasm, interest, laughter and knowledge. Steve reminded me that we used to play Trivial Pursuit on game nights with Randy and Vickie at Camp Pendleton and when they lived in Bonsall. Guess who won those games? And served the awesome dinners? The trips we took together were so much fun, and filled with stops that Vickie arranged as she had been there and done that many times over, or because it was on a list of places she wanted to see. She so loved her journey with Randy and Marissa. We will miss our dear friend, and know that her bright light will show her the way home.

Met Vickie in Mr. Reid's music class at West Junior around 1966. We were 12 or 13. She was always easy to know, easy to be around, and I never remember seeing her without a smile, which in retrospect seems precocious because it felt like she cared about making people comfortable at a very young age. I was a relative nobody, a wallflower that most popular kids and jocks didn't notice through Palmer High School. Vickie was never like them. I regret losing touch with her, but was happy to see her in 2011, when I finally attended my first Palmer High reunion. Her long love and romance with wonderful husband, Randy, is the stuff of legend. It began way back in school. She lives in the hearts of all who knew her. My deep sympathy to Randy, Marissa and all her family.

One of my favorite memories of Vickie happened a few months after she and Randy were married. They had come down to my hometown of Las Animas, Co. and while there she noticed that my parents were calling me DD. As they were leaving she asked me if I liked that nickname and I told her that I couldn't stand it. She then said that's ok DD. Randy was leaning against his car with a big grin and shaking his head. He only said "you'll learn."
For the next 40 years she never called anything but DD. Marissa had to refer me as Mr. DD. You were one of a kind Vickie. You will be missed greatly.
Dave Dillon (DD). Arvada, Colorado

Where do I even start? Your family opened its arms to me with a generosity and kindness that I will always be grateful for. I can't even pretend to imagine what a loss you're experiencing. How do you cope after losing such a strong, loving, stubborn, caring, whole-hearted matriarch? I feel so lucky that you opened your home to me and helped me get started on my post-college adventure. As soon as I got to CA, Vickie made sure I was acclimated quickly. She had her finger on the pulse of Hanford and got me up to speed on who was who. It didn't take long for us to bond over ginger snaps and gossip. Around town (and the office of course), I kept my ears open so I could report back on any juicy info I picked up. I felt like I had been there for years when it had only been a few days. I will never forget her quick wit and humor, or all of the things I learned from her. Who knew that plastic wrap was strong enough to double as a lid for stacking dishes in the fridge? Or that your meat will seem mushy if you use a crock pot in place of a Dutch oven (which I had to promptly run out and buy). I knew before I visited that I'd better read a few books so I'd be able to share any good reads I'd come across. I didn't know sweet potatoes could moonlight as a dessert, or that they'd be my new favorite Thanksgiving dish. Every Thanksgiving I still think about what I would write I'm thankful for and what I wanted for Christmas on my card. I now keep my eye out for junior league cookbooks and make sure I save my Christmas ornament boxes so I can put the ornaments back in them after the holidays. I'm addicted to Pioneer Woman's spicy dr. Pepper pulled pork, and can identify most dog breeds (except 2015's best in show...the Skye terrier...what was that!?) Admittedly I try to make sure my collections don't grow to extremes, but now I pick up a little something from each place I visit :) I know I'm forgetting so much more, and that I'm only scratching the surface, but her influence on me was far-reaching. I'm so sorry for the sadness and emptiness I'm sure you're feeling. I love and miss you both and will never forget your Mom and wife.

Randy and family,
I was heartbroken to hear of Vickie's passing. I always will picture the 2 of you as high school sweethearts....the beautiful blonde and her big, handsome football player boyfriend! I am so glad that I got to see you both at our reunions over the years! My heartfelt prayers go out to you,
Sheri Kennedy Rotolo

Randy, you and Marissa are in our thoughts and prayers. We have the best memories of staying with you and Vicki during our trip to Spain. You and Vicki shared your home, some great wine and local food with us. Of course, your visit to our home upon your return from Europe was another memorable reunion. Finally, we just wanted to share a picture of some needle work that Vicki made for us upon the birth of our daughter Lauren. We will always cherish those memories of fun times spent with her. We will miss Vicki

Randy and Marissa, Barb and I were so saddened to hear about the passing of your Soul Mate and Mom. I still remember the first time Randy introduced me to Vickie as a young ATO. She was a wonderful, fun loving person. When ever we would all get back together it was as if we had never been apart. She will be missed by many. Our love and prayers are with you. Little Pipes.

Randy and Marissa, I am so sorry! Vickie was such a wonderful person to know! I remember her best in our 10th grade swimming class. I will miss her comments on facebook. My prayers go out to you and family!

Randy and Marissa, I am so sorry to hear of Vickie's passing. Vicky was always so sweet. I will be praying for both of you and the family.

Hello Randy,
I'm so very sorry to hear of Vickie's passing and so very glad I had a good visit with her at the Palmer 40th reunion. After reading these condolences I realized that the Vickie I knew in the 70's never changed; beautiful smile, kind/caring way, full of good energy and so very positive. I remember that Sadie Hawkins!
Love to you,
Linda Goggin-Bunk

Blake and I were shocked to here the news. My heart breaks for you and your Dad. We have fond memories of you and your Mom. One specific one was the Chocolate factory. She was so interesting and fun. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Randy. So very sorry for your loss. Prayers.

Summer of '75, three knucklehead Marine Corps Lieutenants take up residence at the Spanish Gardens with their brides, Woodbridge, Va. Vickie Edwards is introduced to me and thus, my 40 year journey with her starts. I can not tell you the void that I have in my heart with her gone. Mo and I send our love and our prayers to you both. Blessings to you and Marissa

What do you say to her husband, a best friend who has lost the love of his life, his soul mate of 40 years? What can you say to her daughter, whom she was so proud, who has her mother's zest for life, her extrovert personality? All one can say is, "I am sorry..I am thinking about you during this difficult time....I am here for you."

Your light will shine brighter than any candle could to light our path as you have always done......

I miss her so much for the fun we had, the wine we drank, the laughs we shared and the love we showed. I will remember you and love you for evermore, my sweet sister blood or not...

I loved travelling with Vickie because she knew the coolest places to visit, the neatest and most interesting things to see and the best places to eat. Also, I remember how she would "break into" singing, often in a loud and off-key way which was always hilarious.

My husband Bob has a great memory of Vickie I would like to share. He was a pledge at ATO and at his first frat party,this gorgeous blonde came over, put her arm around him and said " Hi, Bob, how are you doing?" Of course he was dazzled and certainly glad he pledged that particular fraternity . Then he found out it was Vickie, his pledge dad, Randy's girlfriend !
I had heard about Randy and Vickie even before we were married so when I first met them....at a welcome home party at the Broken Spoke....I felt as though I already knew them. It has been like that ever since. I liked Vickie immediately....she was warm , smart and interested in so many things....and she and I both liked dogs and needlework.
I felt her genuine goodness from the beginning ...she was blessed by God...no question about it. I didn't see her often but when I did, we were able to start up where we left off .
I believe that when God calls our loved ones too early , it is because they are blessed in a special way and He needs them with Him in heaven . Vickie would certainly have been on his "A" list of those pure in heart.
I am so sad that I won't be able to see her again on this earth...but she will certainly be in Bob's and my hearts. May she rest in peace . She will never be forgotten.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

I met Vickie once I started working at the hospital years ago. She was always the first person to say good morning to me and of course the first person to go to to discuss football and her Denver Broncos. As the Super Bowl was always her holiday off lol Vickie was the kindest hearted person I had ever met. Someone so genuine is rare to find and Vickie was as rare as they came. Her presence will greatly be missed but she will never be forgotten.

Oh I loved reading this, because it so honors Vickie's personality! My favorite memories are water polo lunches in high school and holiday dinners as an adult. Vickie was always so welcoming, and ready to crack jokes with us girls (sometimes at Rissy's expense). Her sense of humor will forever live on in our hearts, and in her daughter... You are missed Vickie, and will always be loved!

Randy and Marissa, Chris and I are saddened by Vickie's passing. We will miss her always present smile and good humor. Praying for you. Love, Bob and Chris Vitt Englewood, CO

I can still hear Vickie's voice...every evening I came into work and if she was working she would say, "hi Lisa, did you get enough sleep today?" Vickie was a great nurse and co-worker, never left things undone for the next nurse coming in to take over. She was a good listener and always seemed sincerely interested when someone was having a hard time. Vickie will be truly missed...prayers and peace sending off to her family.

Vickie & I began our friendship at work. We never had enough time to do all the chatting we wanted so we planned lunches together on our days off. I considered Vickie a dear friend & I will miss her always. Her sincere interest in others & incredible memory of past conversation dazzled me. I'm so lucky to have known her. Go Broncos!

When I first met Vickie, many years ago, I remember her telling me that she and Randy always traveled separately, and that it really helped her marriage. She was halfway joking, I think, but her sense of humor and her independence impressed me. I did not get to see her often, but I always enjoyed her sharp wit when I did. Thinking of you, Marissa, Randy and Linda.

Randy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Vicki and I would go to all the football games at Palmer in Colorado Springs. We would wait outside the locker rooms afterward waiting for our boyfriends to come out. She really knew a lot about football. I was able to see her again at our 40th class reunion. She will be missed.

We met in 1983 when we went to nursing school and happened to be neighbors at Camp Pendleton, CA! We had such good times together! I went to visit Vickie in Spain when she was pregnant! I am so thankful we were able to reunite, after 30 years, in June of 2015! We were planning a road trip for this March, to visit Marissa in Manhattan!

Vickie was a one of a kind!

Vickie- you were my first friend at Camp Pendleton & I'm forever grateful. Oh the stories I could tell of that OB/GYN clinic! One of my favorites is when you had me call Randy at his work on April Fools Day. I had to tell him you got into base housing, but the only available housing was the E-1 enlisted "Sterling" homes- the worst on the base! He was so polite, but I knew he was getting angry so you took the phone & let him off the hook! We laughed for hours! I have so many other wonderful memories of you that I will share with Marissa over time. Love you & until we meet again.

We met you when you welcomed us to Okinawa, with a smile and a delicious cake!! We will keep you and Randy and Marissa in our prayers.

Randy and Marissa, I was deeply saddened to hear of Vickie's passing. It brought back many memories but the one I like most was when Barney and I met her in New Orleans and took a road trip to Florida and traveled all over the state while Randy was in flight school. While down there I told her I liked boiled shrimp, so she bought and cooked 5 pounds of shrimp and we ate them on the beach until we could hardly move. Her laugh and smile were infectious and she made life wonderful. I will miss her very much and I pray that the wonderful memories that you share will help you. May God provide you comfort and strength at this time of sorrow. Ronald Sherley Denver, Colorado

Marissa and Ed,
I first met Vickie at a basket party at your house. The table was set with fabulous food and everywhere I looked there was pumpkins that she had collected. I had a wonderful time and drank the grape Kool-aid and became a basket fan. But truly, I was a fan of your wife's cooking and entertaining skills. I would look forward to that party every year.

There is a whole in our coffee group that will never be filled. Feel free to visit us anytime. You know the time and the location...

My Dearest Forever Friend Vic. I met you in the fall of 1971 at Adam's State College. We became friends instantly. We lived together in Denver where we worked at Continental Trailways bus depot..We were in each other's weddings in 1975. The day I called to tell you we were adopting Brody,you told me you were pregnant with Marissa.. Our husbands became best friends. We shared our lives and our sorrows and our joys. You came to see me every two years no matter where we
lived. There will never be anyone like you. You believed in me,you gave me your support and love throughout the years. I pray I was there for you Vic.
Now I wake up every morning and say
"Vickie". I just miss you and love you so much. Yes,I could write a book about all of our adventures and maybe someday I will. We had it all. I love you and I will miss you until we meet again.

Jeanne and I send our condolences.

I am so, so sad for Randy and Marissa - Vickie was an amazing Mom and wife for so long, and she and Randy made an incredible team. I remember a double date at a drive-in in Colorado Springs; Randy and Vickie were in the back seat, and Jana Jones and I were in the front seat, watching 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.' So many good memories over the years. Vickie - we'll all miss you so much. Love to Randy and Marissa.

Vickie, it just breaks my heart, that I won't see your face in the morning at work. No more gossiping, or cracking jokes. I told my daughter that you passed and her feels was so hurt. Nooo mommy not Vickie. I said yes baby Vickie. You loved you some Maikaya. I appreciate , you while I had the chance and all of our memory's. I will miss you and everything you did for me and the sweets. Fly high my friend and say hello to my mom.
Missing you so much my friend!!

Marissa,

Your Mother sounds like a wonderful person - I wish I could have met her. She has certainly passed along many of her beautiful traits to you.
You and your Father will continue to be in my prayers.
- Jill Shields