Born in Inverness on April 14, 1971 to Gordon and Chlory MacLean, Vikki was the cherished eldest of 5 siblings. She married her high school sweetheart Glenn (Mr. Vikki) in 1995. They were a match made in heaven and their love for each other was so genuine and beautiful. Vikki’s life was filled with many accomplishments, but none shone brighter than the joy of becoming a mother to her two beautiful children, Emily and Luke. Vikki was a guiding light and steady presence in the lives of all who loved her. Settling in Strathlorne was a dream come true for her, and Vikki loved having a full house to celebrate special occasions. Her many loves also included gardening, walking barefoot in her yard, walking on the beach, teaching aerobics, and teaching in general. She was also a lover of books, and her time on the beach was often spent with a book in her hand.
A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher and friend, Vikki was truly an angel among us. Her unwavering faith guided every part of her life, and she lived each day led by kindness, grace, and a deep desire to lift others. Above all Vikki was “love in action” - nurturing, vibrant, generous and kind. She left everyone better for having known her.
Vikki’s life was rich in love, laughter and meaningful moments, woven together by her deep devotion to her family, friends and community. A true lover of life, Vik was never one to miss a good song or house party. She found peace in nature, joy in her garden and magic in the sound of the waves on the beach. Her door was always open, not just to her family and friends, but to every friend her children brought home. Her house was the kind of place where sleepovers turned into lifelong memories, laughter echoed late into the night, and where everyone felt safe, welcome, and loved. The kids who grew up under her roof, even those who didn’t call her “mom”, will carry her love with them forever.
In her youth Vikki attended Inverness Consolidated School. After graduating in 1989 she went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts with an advanced major in English from St Francis Xavier University. She began her teaching career in Chapel Island and then went on to work at We'koqma'q school for almost 11 years. Vikki always reflected fondly on those years, appreciating how warmly she was welcomed into the First Nations community. She had kept in touch with many of her colleagues and students from those years.
In 2007, Vikki transferred to Inverness Education Centre and Academy. She taught Grade 2 for a couple of years before she ultimately started teaching Primary. Vikki was a very gifted and passionate educator. She was made to teach! Her classroom was a place of wonder, joy and love. She instilled a love of learning in both her students and anyone who had the privilege to work with her in her classroom. Later in her career, she was selected to train as a Reading Recovery teacher. The program gave her the opportunity to bring her special gift of teaching young children to read - instilling in them a love for learning with her creative, kind and caring ways.
In 2011, Vikki received her Masters of Education from St. Francis Xavier University. She was in the process of completing a second Masters in Inclusive Education when she became ill in 2021.
Throughout her 4 year battle with brain cancer, she fought each day with unimaginable strength and courage. Even while ill, her thoughts were never far from those she loved and her selfless heart was always more concerned for others than herself. Vikki devoted time each morning and evening to her faith, praying for others. Her love of prayer and her devotion to her faith gave her comfort and courage.
She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Glenn; and their two children, Emily and Luke. Her parents, Gordon and Chlory MacLean; her siblings, Janet (Terry) Fortune, Chlory (Joey) Poirier, Gordie (Maria) MacLean, Bertha (John) Maclean/Gillis; her sister-in-law, Claire (Peter) MacDonnell; and many nieces and nephews who were dearly loved by “Aunt Bippi”. She will also be missed by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, students and colleagues. Her absence will also be felt deeply by her sweet pup and companion “Millie” who brought so much happiness to Vikki’s last 4 years.
Vikki was predeceased by her grandparents, Chlory and Victor Lanceleve and Norma Jane and Donnie MacLean; and her aunt, best friend, and ice cream date, Shirley. She was also predeceased by her Mother and Father-in-law, Jeanette and Al MacEachern.
The family extends our deepest gratitude to the palliative care team and all the dedicated staff of Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital who cared for her with such compassion. Each of you brought her comfort and dignity in her final days, and we are forever grateful for the love you showed her. Our family would also like to express our sincerest appreciation to the community for their unwavering support and kindness throughout Vikki’s illness. For those attending the ceremony, our family invites you to wear a small touch of pink, in honor of Vikki’s vibrant and loving nature. Pink was her favorite color, a reflection of the warmth and kindness she brought into the lives of everyone who knew her.
Visitation will be Friday June 27th from 3-7 pm in Inverness Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass to be held on Saturday June 28th at 11am in Stella Maris Church, Inverness. Burial to follow in St. Matthew's United Cemetery, Strathlorne. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society.
“All of us are better when we’re loved” -Alistair MacLeod (No Great Mischief)
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
