It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beautiful, loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
Vickie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in March of this year and she fought a truly courageous battle, showing grace and dignity to the end.
Lynn Victoria was born in Kamloops on July 24, 1955 to Howard and Agnes Baker (nee Hartman). Even though her given name was Lynn she went by “Vickie” and was always surprised when someone called her by her real name. Vickie was the second child of four, joining older sister Louise and followed by sister Brenda and brother Bruce. The family lived on Harper Road in the very tight knit community of Dallas where Vickie made many lifelong friendships.
After attending Dallas Elementary, Valleyview, and Kam High Secondary Schools, and after working at the Credit Union for a while, Vickie moved to Calgary in the spring of 1975 where she met her future husband Jeff. Vickie and Jeff married in 1976 and settled into a happy life in Calgary.
On New Year’s eve of 1976 the family was blessed with the birth of twin daughters Amanda and Tara. Raising twin daughters in a city far away from family turned into quite a task, so in March of 1977 the family moved to Kamloops. On January 8, 1979 the family was completed with the birth of their son Benjamin.
Vickie loved to travel, whether it be a winter holiday in Mexico, an RV trip to the USA, one of her beloved girl’s trips or the annual trek to Saskatchewan to visit Jeff’s family, she was always eager to see new things but she always looked forward to returning home and being surrounded by family. Vickie was a wonderful homemaker, gardener and an inspirational cook, able to organize a reunion dinner for 80 or a simple Sunday night dinner for 20, making all of the dishes from scratch. She loved walking, whether it be a sandy beach in Mexico, Riverside Park, the Mac Island loop or just around the neighborhood, she was ready to go. The Toronto Blue Jays were her team, she could name every player and never missed a game. She also loved to watch the grandchildren play their sports, from basketball to volleyball, to baseball and track and field, she was there to cheer them on.
Vickie was a kind and generous person who always tried to see the good in people and was concerned with others health and happiness. Her family adored her as she was truly interested in their lives and was a great mentor to them all. Her children and her grandchildren were cherished – they were so very special to her!
Vickie was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Howard, by Jeff’s parents, Helen and Peter, and brother-in-laws Terry and Peter.
Vickie is survived by her loving husband and partner of 48 years, Jeff, her children, Amanda (Grant), Tara (Brent), Ben (Penni): grandchildren, Cole, Emily, Noah, Travis, Linden, Lucas and Grace: her sisters Louise (Mark), Brenda (Ron): brother Bruce (Nancy): many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles, and many friends, all who knew her loved her – that’s just the special kind of person she was. She truly left this world a better place.
A private Celebration of Life will be held sometime later this summer.
The family would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Oyetola, Dr. Newmarch, the caregivers at RIH Emergency Dept, Home Healthcare, Kamloops and Kelowna Cancer Clinics and Trinity Care. Thank you so much for all your care and kindness to Vickie.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
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Lora Wills
My deepest condolences for Jeff and Family. Vickie was an incredible person. I always looked up to her. She was inspirational.
Jennie Egyed
Vickie was such a truly lovely person. I saw her warmth and humour as a kid when I sat hours on end in her kitchen playing cards with Mandy. When I moved back to Kamloops as an adult I loved going to Save On so I could go through her check out line. My sincerest condolences to your family ❤️.
Ted Wickstrom
My most sincere condolences to the entire family for this heartbreaking loss.
Pamela Dalgleish
I was so sorry to read that Vickie has passed away. I saw her a few times at Save On Foods and talked about the old “Dallas days”. D=Sending my deepest sympathy to all the family. I know she will be missed.
Sharon Siverns
Our hearts are with you all during this difficult time. Sending love and strength to the whole family. We are thinking about you always .
Love Sharon and Glenn
Mary Ann Ross
I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the Baker, Hartman; and to the Vanjoff families. Take strength in knowing that we care. Don and Mary-Ann (Volk) Ross
al morgan
jeff,so sorry for your loss,deepest condolences for you and family…al morgan…..
Rick & Jan Rainville
Jeff & family, Jan & I send our deepest sympathy for you & family. We enjoyed many happy times together thru Coca Cola. Vickie was a very joyful person and we are so glad to had many good times together. Our thoughts and prayers are with u all. Tears, Rick & Jan Rainville.
Marilyn and (alan) clouston (Wald)
Dear Vickie,
i’m writing you first as i didn’t get the chance to say goodbye before you left everyone who loved you.
U i ou were the first person i met when i attended Dallas Elementary School in grade 5 .. we fast became friends on the playground playing tether ball and taking over the winner circle in that recess sport.
you always made feel welcome and your parents always did as well.
we continued our friendship into valley view elementary and then onto Kam High for high school … always popular with everyone as you were kind and a good listener and included the person who felt left out.
we made a short film in school and had the music “i did it my way …. and a few others … this was your song and how you loved your life ❤️
we went on to work out of high school and had many weekends a shuswap lake in scotch creek one of my favourite times …
your mom always tried to keep us in-line and not so crazy things and your dad always just smiled and would tell her to settle down we were good girls … lol
i wish we could of spent more time together as married families but health on my families end stopped that for many years … but we always stayed friends and you were a best friend to me and will always be … your gone way too soon but i know your with your mom and pops now out of pain … love you Vick…
to Jeff and your children and grandchildren and Lou and Brenda and Bruce my heartfelt sorrow for you all .. she was the glue to family .. the smile… hug… laughter… tears and comfort … she was one of a kind over the top beautiful inside and out …. i hope you all cling to her memories and love she had for each of you … just know a gift comes along only once in awhile and she was one of those rare gifts
will miss you forever Vick