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Until we meet again,
may God Hold you
in the palm of his hand.
IRISH PRAYER
Memorial Wake in honor of LallyVic
held at Shamrock & Stones
Sunday, April 5th, 2009
Victoria Lee Fooks
27 September 1964 - 2 April 2009
Victoria “Vicki” Lee (Robb) Fooks, 44, of Gainesville, FL passed away on April 2,
2009 at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida (UF). Vicki Fooks was born in
Lincoln, Nebraska and attended high school at Ft. Zumwalt, O’Fallon, Missouri
and Seminole High School, Seminole, Florida. Vicki moved to Gainesville in 1982
to attend UF where she graduated from the College of Journalism and
Communications with a Bachelor of Science in Reporting. Following graduation
she worked as a reporter for the Chiefland Citizen, and as an editor for the Friday
Evening Post newsletter at the UF Health Science Center, Shands Hospital. Vicki
enjoyed numerous hobbies including a love for family (and pets, which she
included as family), writing, reading and sports. In particular, her love for sports
included UF Gator Baseball; a passion that introduced her to her husband, Steve.
Click HERE for Vicki and Steve's website.
Most of us met Vicki as "LallyVic" on the Ladies of Lallybroch or Shamrocks &
Stones message boards, where she has many friends. A few of us were fortunate
enough to meet Vicki in person, while most of us were "cyberfriends" knowing
Vicki through our on-line connection and phone calls. We come here today from
all around the world to share our memories and love for Vicki.
-- PeggyB
Isabelle & Vicki
[ Replies ]
In honor and memory of LallyVic, there will be no official "Craic" today but I
would like for you to use this space to share your thoughts and sentiments. I'll
certainly miss her for many reasons.
-- Morgan
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Today we say our final farewells to someone who touched so many. Our world is
just a little less bright but we will always think of our dear Vickie and smile.
Goodbye my dear friend.
-- LadyDuBois
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Warm memories will always survive for me of this dear woman. Every time we
spoke she did more for me than I for her. Vicki was great.
-- 'becca beccabee
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It's with love and fondness that I will remember LallyVic. She always posted with
such kindness and spirit, even when times were hard for her. Oh how I will miss
seeing her name at the end of a post. Be well Vicki and my biggest of hugs to
those she touched who are feeling lost without her.
-- Shanarama
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We'll miss you, Vick. You were always thoughtful, thought-provoking, and
humorous on the boards. Have fun on your computer in heaven!
-- Renfro,
~
I am so thankful to say that Vic was one of the first Hosers I ever met. She was
so funny and sweet and welcoming, she really set the mood for how I would
greet new people that I met from the boards. Vic, I will miss you terribly. I'm
lifting a cup of Hershey's Goodnights Hot Chocolate to your memory (I
remember how much you loved it). I love you and will miss you!!!!
-- Whiskey Eyes
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Vicki with her nephew, Cade. No more pain or struggle; you've found the golden
ticket. Slan leat - your warm heart and cheerful spirit will be greatly missed.
-- Elaine
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Popping over to raise a pint in honor of Vicki whose humor and insight was a
wonderful blessing.
-- AngieLass
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My special memory of LallyVic (aside from her keeping Morgan entertained with
baseball talk) is she was my S&S secret santa this past Christmas. Her gifts
showed humor (Swedish fish candy) and caring thought (ornaments for my
collection)....she also sent a Christmas pin with kitties and the words "Friends are
Special"...indeed they are. Be at peace, Vicki, we are so much better for having
known you.
-- PeggyB
~
I regret that I never met Vicki and did not know her on a personal level.
However, it is abundantly clear that she was a special person who touched the
lives of many Shammies. To all Vicki's dear friends and family, you have my
heart felt sympathy at this difficult time. Her long struggle is over now and she
knows only peace and joy (((((((Vicki and family))))). May she live on in our
hearts and happy memories.
-- Carolyn,
~
Inside for two Sarah MacLachlan songs I cannot listen to without crying... For
LallyVic, Steve, her family both people and critters, and all her cyberfriends...
I will remember
you,
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by,
Weep not for the memories.
and
In the arms of an angel, Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room,
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage, Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there.
--
MaryC in KY
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Just wanted to join in and say it was a privilege to have known Vicki even though
it was only through cyberspace. This world will always seem a little bit emptier
for her leaving. Love to Steve
(((Steve and family)))
-- Gwen
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We will miss you Vicki, the Floser get together won't be the same anymore, but
we will always find the time to celebrate you when we do meet... and because
we need to keep it light for her celebration... Vicki, you can now sneak into DG's
manuscripts and read the new coming book ahead of us! 'with a very light but
heartfelt grin'...
-- IsabelleKiltup
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In loving memory of LallyVic. I was not fortunate enough to have met her in
person nor were we close personal cyber friends but I did spend quite a bit of
time getting to know her and laughing with her in the chat room during my early
days at LOL. Her passing has left a hole in my world. I like what Angie said over
at the Kirk, these cyber friendships are a huge part of my life, not in an in your
face way but in my heart. We (or maybe it's just me) sometimes take for
granted that we'll pop in and see familiar names on a post about what's going on
in their daily lives, what's making them happy, or sad, angry or just feeling silly
and it's really quite devastating to know one of them will no longer show up. God
give you rest Vicki, you'll be missed in so many ways.
-- Marilyn
~
I will really miss Vicki around the boards. We used to chat alot on mirc a few
years back and she was always witty and great fun. I will remember her love of
reading, geneaolgy, all things Scottish, General Hospital and her beloved Gators.
Her love of Steve, her stepson, her family and particularly her new nephew came
shining through in any conversation. Good bye dear friend.
-- Fiona,
~
I will certainly miss Vicki's lovely spirit around here. I was going through my
e-mail exchanges with her the other day and came across a funny story. Many of
you know she had to get shots for her headaches- about a dozen at a
time...
Often after the shots, she simply couldn't read for a few days, because she
couldn't hold her neck up. They were botox shots so they paralyzed her neck
essentially, and it took a few days for the feeling to be pronounced enough for
her to hold her head straight again.
One time she was reading EU, while waiting in the Dr.'s office and she had quite a
wait, and she kept thinking she would just get to a place in the story where
things had died down and then put it aside. But the doctor came out to call her
and she said to him, 'What NOW? Are you kidding me?!!' (it had been a long
wait). So then she said, 'You're going to have to give me a minute here, before
you do the shots.' So she finished the part she was on and then got her shots.
She was a feisty girl. :)
-- Celtgirl
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Although I never got to meet Lallyvic in real life, I'm so grateful that I got to
know her as a wonderful Lallypal in our many chats, and e-mails. I'll miss our
Lallyvic's lively posts and chats. As her birthday buddy, I know I will always
remember her on the 27th of September. Be at Peace dear. And
{{{{Hugs}}}}to all who loved Lallyvic
-- Chris (from LOL)
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I am going to miss Vicki here at the boards and over at LOL. I was fortunate
enough to be her secret Santa in 2007. She was such a fighter for so long with
her health and I admire her perseverence to keep as healthy as she could and to
keep her spirits up. I know she will be missed by many, especially her beloved
family.
-- Rebecca
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Bless Vicki that she is resting in peace and bless Steve that he may find peace
soon. I never met Vicki in person but did chat with her online and we exchanged
a couple of emails about pierogie recipes and her dough rocks! She was so sweet
to share whatever she could in order to help others. What a sweet and caring
spirit she had and Id like to let her know that she inspired me and I will try to
carry on that same spirit in her memory. We are blessed that we have a
Shammie Angel in heaven to watch over us.
-- Tracy
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Though I never did meet Vicki, I truly felt like I knew her and was proud to call
her my friend. Her generous, loving nature let all of us in on all her many ups
and downs with her health. She never let her health get in the way of returning
the love and kindness to others. I remember her sick kitty and how she was so
saddened when he passed. Her capacity to love her family, furbabies and friends
was and continues to be inspiring. I will miss your sunny spirit Vicki but certainly
heaven shines a little brighter now.
-- Lanette
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I was never lucky enough to meet Vicki in person, but we did get to spend some
time in a chat. She was such a delight. She was funny and passionate, caring and
thoughtful. My heart goes out to Steve and the rest of Vicki's family. Vicki, I
know you've got the best seats in the house to follow your Gators baseball.
Here's a little something to show my support: . We'll miss you!
-- Lil
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I wish I had gotten the chance to actually meet Vicki. I will miss her around the
boards and in chat. I'm glad that she is finally at peace and no longer in pain. She
was so funny and caring. My thoughts are with her DH and family. I'll miss you
Vic.
-- Colly
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Like so many here, I never got the chance to meet Vicki in person, but her
optimistic spirit and love of life shone through in her every post. Through all of
her health concerns, she never complained, focusing on the people, animals and
activities she loved and which brought her so much joy. The world is a little
dimmer today without her presence. Rest in peace, Vicki.
-- Carla
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Vicki will always have a stool at our pub. Memories of her warmth, humor, love
of furbabies and joys and sorrows shared will keep it warm.
(((Steve and family)))
-- GinnyJ
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You've been in my thoughts all day, Vic. Though I can't be there to honor you in
person, I'm here to honor you now. You will be missed, my Floser friend.
-- LindaT
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I was running late for my very first Hoser meeting. It was a book signing in
Jacksonville, F. and I had a 3 hour drive. It was Vicki who called me about 4
times to make sure I was OK and still coming. When I got there, she presented
me with an Honorary Floser bookmark, and when I didn't have a camera, she
took the picture of me getting my book signed by Herself and made sure to send
me a copy. Vicki, you were always thinking of others, and now we are all
thinking of you. Rest in peace where there is no more pain and you can breathe
deep and run far. I feel blessed to have called you my friend.
-- TanyaB,
~
I didn't have the privilege of meeting Vicki, but she seemed such a bright,
vivacious woman with a love for life and everything around her. I will miss her
comments here, and her joy over her nephew, Cade. I hold a virtual pint up to
one lovely lady who was taken from us too soon!
-- Denise,
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Just wanted to let you all know...it's been pouring buckets here in Virginia--until
about 1:15-1:30 or so, when the sun came out. :) I'm thinking it's Vic saying it's
going to be all right. :)
-- Chessie >^..^< (LOL)
~
Thinking of (((Vicki))) and (((Steve))) and the rest of her (((family))) today.
Although we'd posted to each other on the various boards over the years, Vicki
(and Jeannie) were very quick to gleefully welcome me as a newly anointed
'Floser' when I moved to Florida just two years ago. I felt thoroughly
welcomed... and I was GLAD! *g* While we never did manage to meet in RL,
Vicki was a cherished part of my cyber life - through her posts, I felt I "knew"
her, and have missed them so over the last couple of months during her final
illness. Dear Vicki, You were (are) a person of quality - you enriched my life, and
I thank you. I'll never forget you, and I'll miss you always. God Bless you and
Keep you safe, happy, and sick no more!
-- Colleen L
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She will be missed..........
It just seems that Vicki was always here. I'm not even sure when she came on
the boards but it seems I've never been on the net without her. She would post
the stories about going through cancer at such a young age, and the physical pain
she was in, it seems that hospitals and needles were always a part of her life. I
use to think how could such a little body go through all that? But it was her spirit,
she had more positive energy tucked inside that small space that she was
anything but small. She was a fighter, be it for her animals, her sports teams,
her family and friends, but most of all for herself. Nobody fights harder than
Vicki. It saddens me that she lost her final battle, but we all know she went down
swinging. It's been scattered around everywhere how now she is an angel. I
never heard her say a bad thing about anyone, she always had a smile on her
face, and made the most of every day. Vicki was an angel long before she got
her wings officially, and I'm guessing she is the only angel with plaid wings.
We miss you Vicki... we will always miss you.
-- M&M,
~
I'll never forget Vicki's positive outlook on life and her indomitable spirit.
Godspeed, gentle friend.
-- Sallie
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I will miss bantering with LallyVic about NCAA tournaments, whether football or
basketball. On behalf of Vicki, I will be cheering for the Gators next season. I will
miss you, Vicki!
-- LadyBelle
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I am really so very sad at losing Vicki. She was always so sweet and funny. Like
Mahri, I sent a lot of time chatting with Vicki back when we all chatted with the
LOL Hosers. Judie posted a beautiful poem on the Kirk so if you get a chance
head over there to read it.
-- Noelle
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I'm wearing Gator colors for you today, Vic! And you, of all people, know darn
full and well that orange is not my color. But there is nothing I wouldn't do for
you, especially today, so orange is it...Love you forever. Miss you for longer....
-- Di ;)
(Forever Sad)
~
Vicki was the sweetest friend, the most sunny, upbeat person, always kind and
helpful. She went through a lot in her life, especially with her health problems,
but she never let it get in the way of enjoying her life, her family, her animals
and her friends. She was a dear, funny lady and I will miss her forever. Who will
crack me up in chat until I need my asthma inhaler? So many nights we sat up
late chatting into the night about everything, and we never ran out of things to
say.
You'll always be in my heart, dear friend.
-- Maria
~
It seems that Vicki had more than her share of life's pain, but she bore it all with
fortitude and grace. She impressed me with her banter and charming wit when I
was her Secret Santa a few years ago. You will ever remain in our hearts, dear
Vicki, God speed.
-- Florence
~
Although I didn't know her personally, I do remember her joy over her nephew
and seeing the picture above, her sweet eyes will live on in him.
-- FranS,
~
Vicki was one of the first that I really connected with on LOL. She and I had a lot
in common. We were the same age, we were both big SEC fans, we had a similar
sense of humor; we both thought Donny loved us best, and more. We would
chat late late into the night, almost EVERY night. Even though we were east coasters
we'd still close down the chat room most nights. When my DH got orders to Florida,
Jeanie and Vic were the two that coined the phrase "Floser" to welcome me to the state.
It wasn't long after, that Vicki and I met in person. We spent a hilarious long weekend in
Disney with Sassy, Jeanie, and Kathy (LadyBlair).
I'd seen pics of Vic, but I was shocked at how such a
powerful, intelligent, humorous, generous person could fit in such a tiny body.
After that trip we became even closer friends. The chats went on, but so did
phone calls to check up on each other after hurricanes, after a move, during
personal problems, etc. When I fled the panhandle for hurricane Ivan, Vic was
one of the first to call and see if I was ok. We’ve texted over holidays, and to
alert each other to funny things happening on the boards and in real life. I just
can’t imagine never seeing “LallyVic” at the end of a post again. Our friendship
started in cyberspace, but became more. Vicki was a true friend. She’ll be
greatly missed.
-- Tam,
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I can't imagine how sad you are, Tam. I know that you and Vic were so close. I
am sad enough, but YOU must be aching. I don't think Hoser Chats will EVER be
the same without Vic. Sending you a BIG hug!
-- Leigh
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Today would have been one of those days that Vicki and I exchanged posts and I
ache for the hole where her posts would be and feel so lucky to have called her
friend for years at LOL, FFF and now here at the pub.
Vicki’s post would assure me that she is rooting on my Big Ten team tonight for
the NCAA basketball tournament. That’s the way Vicki was, her huge generous,
caring spirit was hidden inside that little body. Through the years, she and I
shared many banters back and forth about our love for NCAA sports . Vicki
always put others before herself and loved the relationships with her cyber
friends. Vicki’s generosity and caring spirit came through when we visited Florida
a few years ago. She knew I would be there and although circumstances
prevented our meet up, on our final night in Florida my phone rang, answering it
I heard the sweetest excited voice, announcing that it was LallyVic! She knew it
was our last night of vacation, that our Big Ten team had won the bowl game and
wanted to congratulate me and say hello and wish a safe journey home. That
phone call sums up Vicki to me, a little voice with a big heart; she always put
others before herself. How lucky I am to have Vicki for a friend. I’ll always root
for your Gators, Vic and smile as they remind me of you!
-- BetsyG
~
Like many of you, I 'met' Vicki through the Hoser Chats (on mIRC). She and I
were often the last to leave the chat room and we used to talk about all sorts of
things. She was fascinated about Australia. I loved her sense of humour, her
sincerity and kindness. Her love for her furbabies was immense. I often felt
saddened that she was never in good health, however, she always remained
positive and strong. We sent each other a Christmas card via snail mail every
Christmas. I never called her 'Vicki' - she was always just 'Vic' to me - a true and
loyal friend and someone who I will miss very much. I'll never forget you, Vic.
-- Leigh,
~
I also "met" Vicki through chatting. What a lovely, sweet lady. It was obvious
that she was devoted to her family and that her pets were part of that family.
May her family and friends find comfort in knowing that Vicki touched so many
lives in such positive ways. She will be missed......
-- LucyAnn
~
I'll miss Vicki so much. She was such a sweetheart. I knew her for a few months
when I came of the boards years ago, but I really got to know her in chat. She
was a laugh and a half!
-- Marcie
~
Well my purple pal, just like hoserchat, it somehow seems appropriate that I'm
last to check in , 23:28:11 04/06/09 Mon
Whenever I'd log on after a long day you'd be there and I soon learned that while
most of the eastern seaboard slept you were just getting started. You seemed to
understand my crazy life, often cooking your own late night dinner between line
posts. You'll never know how nice it was during such a lonely time in my life to
have someone to talk to over simple things like books, furry friends, Donny O
and of course all things purple. You introduced me to vampires (well at least
made me less scared of them *g*) and convinced me to take a chance and travel
across the country to meet cyberfriends. Guaranteeing they would become more
than just names on a screen. You were so right. My heart always ached that you
were going through so much physically. Yet you always remained positive and
strong. Thank you for touching all of us with your kind, funny, optimistic spirit.
Heaven has gained the truest of angels.
Just for you Vic .....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEZJyfPkWCY&feature=player_embedded
-- CindyS
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This is just so tragic. She was a very sweet person and will be truly missed
-- Cherie
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I am late but just want to extend my deepest sympathies to all who knew Vic,
whether in person or through cyberspace. It is so hard to believe we won't see
her name on posts anymore.
-- Sheila
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O.K. Second, sorry about the typo's, I only found out about LallyVic about 1.5
hrs. ago, I spoke w/her MIL and I can't express my sense of loss, but, as I was
feeling an absolute sense of loss for our dear friend, a rainbow appeared, but it
got better, yet a double rainbow appeared (really it's true) Safe Journey, Vicki,
we loved you well
-- Your loving friend, Debbie
~
Me again....I want to thank everyone for contributing to this virtual
wake....whether Shammy, Hoser, or none of the above, I felt it was very healing
to share everyone's thoughts. I have to add that, while attending my meeting
today I suddenly found myself feeling a need to cry....glanced at my watch and
noticed it was the start time for Vicki's service, wow. Then this evening I was
invited to join a group going to diner at.....an Irish pub! I went, I quietly enjoyed
the company, while silently thinking of Vicki and buying the first round for the
group with no explanation. The longer I live, the less I believe in coincidences.
((((((LallyVic, family, and friends))))))
-- PeggyB
~
It came in a dream
Yes, Vicki was very special to me, as she was to all of you. But other than a
contribution I had no idea of what to do...until a dream during the night/morning
spoke to me and said no one was more deserving of knighthood than Dame
Victoria. And thus she became!
-- blackdog
Dearest Ladies and Steve:
Most or all of you have heard of the Scottish Knights Templar, founded in 1118
and ultimately used to provide protection for those traveling to the Holy Land. No
matter what you read in various books, no matter what you see on TV, the
Knights Templar are still alive and quite well. We have a small order in the
United States, in which I currently hold the primary office. Our group is, indeed,
descended from those original knights, as are other groups in England, Scotland,
Australia and several other countries around the world.
It is one of the highest honors to be knighted, knowing that you are special, that
you are destined to serve your fellow man or woman, that you are a soldier of
Christ and will be ultimately rewarded for that service. Such a person has come
into our lives and has brightened them with her love for her friends, her love for
animals, her love for family and her love of things Scottish. Though she has now
left us earthly beings, she sits with God in heaven and watches upon us,
reminding us of the happiness she brought to all of us. She led a good life, a
compassionate life, a life devoted to her family and friends and animals. And thus
she shall be rewarded posthumously, for she encompassed all the virtues of a
true knight.
Therefore, in abstentia, since it is within my power to do so, I hereby raise my
claymore over her spirit and proclaim her
Dame Victoria Lee Robb Fooks, KCTJ
Knight Commander, Temple of Jerusalem
"Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire
of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created and Thou shalt renew
the face of the earth. O God, who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of
the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Holy Spirit we may be always
truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord,
Amen."
May we forever remember our fallen comrade and dear friend, who brought us
so much happiness. She will live forever in our hearts and minds until we meet
again. Vicki, we shall never forget you. Thank you for being a large part of all our
lives!
Conferred on this 5th day of April 2009.
Dr. Fred Dunbar Wessells, KGCTJ
Grand Secretary General
Sovereign Military Order of Christian Knights Templar
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