Vicki Louise Dunham

Vicki Louise (Abrahamsen) Dunham, 75, of Great Falls, MT, died peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025 in Boulder, CO following a 7-month battle with glioblastoma. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she is deeply mourned by many.

Vicki was born on September 29, 1949 in Valley City, ND to Art and Ruth Abrahamsen. She lived in Kathryn, ND before moving with her parents and younger brother Jim to Valley City when she began grade school. She graduated from Valley City High School in 1967 and earned the Bachelor of Science degree in English Secondary Education from Moorhead State University in 1971.

On August 29, 1970, Vicki married Phil Dunham in Moorhead, MN. Hitching a little trailer behind their white Chevelle, they moved to Galesburg, IL for Phil’s job. Vicki taught English at a small high school in a nearby town for 2 years. She was a gifted teacher, known for driving students in her brown Pontiac to nearby Peoria for performances of Shakespeare plays. Vicki continued to substitute teach as Phil’s job took them around the midwest. In Bismarck, ND, Vicki worked for the State of ND Crippled Children’s Division. Despite a departure from her education career, her ability to effectively work with all people made her a natural fit.

Phil and Vicki welcomed 2 daughters, Bryn (1980) and Erin (1983). In 1985, the family made their home in Great Falls, MT. Vicki devoted herself to motherhood first and foremost, and continued to seek out niches for herself from PTA president to Sunday School teacher to parent volunteer in Bryn and Erin’s classrooms. In 1988, Vicki began work as the Parish Assistant at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (OSLC). A lifelong advocate for education, she served on the Great Falls Public Schools Trustee Board for 4 terms, from 1992-2004.

In 1998, Vicki left her job at OSLC for a position at Special Olympics Montana. She worked in numerous capacities at Special Olympics, initially organizing volunteer groups around the state, and retiring as the COO of the organization in 2014. Vicki was devoted to the athletes and their families, travelled to local, State and World Games events alongside them, and kept in touch following her retirement. Her effortless ability to build lasting relationships resulted in friendships she treasured.

A lover of gardening and travel, Vicki nurtured and cared for every person she met throughout her life. She became an “Oma” to Sybil Ruth in 2015, followed by Mallory Ryan in 2017 and doted, nurtured, and loved her granddaughters with all of her being.

Throughout her cancer treatments, Vicki prioritized connections with those she loved. She endured treatment with courage, faith, and humor. Surrounded by family and friends throughout her journey, her loss leaves a void in the lives of many.

Vicki is survived by her devoted husband Phil, loving daughters Bryn Dunham of Denver, CO and Erin (Paul) Brooks of Boulder, CO, beloved granddaughters Sybil and Mallory Brooks, brother Jim (Kerry) Abrahamsen of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 5th at 11am at Our Saviors’ Lutheran Church (1326 1st Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401) with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Special Olympics Montana in Vicki’s memory. Send memorial gifts to Special Olympics Montana, PO Box 3507, Great Falls, MT 59403-3507 with Vicki’s name attached to the donation.