Growing up Vicki took for granted her home state of Michigan. Being a dreamer, she couldn’t
wait to explore the United States, from Texas to California, with short stints in Kansas and Georgia
pursuing careers in art history and education before settling in the Nature Coast of Florida. It was in
Florida where she met her future husband, Matthew. Living in Florida Vicki branched out into the
healthcare field which helped tremendously when she later faced her greatest challenge, becoming a
dementia caregiver for her parents. Thanks to this endeavor Vicki learned valuable lessons about herself
and her capacity to help others. And, the greatest gift she gained from this experience was a closer,
more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
As Vicki learned, we never know what life will throw our way. She never planned on becoming a
dementia caregiver. And she never dreamed her husband would pass away signaling the start of her
greatest challenge, taking care of her parents 24/7. To help others who embark on a similar, unplanned
journey, she wrote a book, “Good Morning I Love You, Maintaining Sanity & Humor Amidst Widowhood,
Caregiving and Alzheimer’s.” Quoting Vicki from her memoir, “No one but another widow knows what a
widow goes through. And no one but another caregiver knows what a dementia caregiver goes
through.”
Caring for her husband, parents and later her uncle opened Vicki’s mind to what’s most
important in life, namely being true to yourself, loving those close to you while living and practicing
God’s Word. With a heart yearning to return to her native Michigan, Vicki finally saw this dream come
true in November 2022 when she and her treasured dog Katy made Gladstone their home.
Thanks to life experiences this new chapter in Vicki’s life is joyful, peaceful, and exhilarating.
Vicki now has time to enjoy her hobbies, spend time with her dog and family as she meets new friends.
She looks forward to incorporating her previous volunteer fundraising triumphs to assist the Escanaba
AAUW as they nourish and prosper in years to come. As Membership Chair, Vicki is excited to make new
friends as our affiliate increases its membership and provides meaningful relationships with existing
members as well.
