Victoria Dupuys Dykes Salkow

Victoria Salkow, 79, of Stokesdale, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones beside her. Born on October 13, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, Vicki was the daughter of the late Victor Dykes and Margot Shute Dykes and stepdaughter to Evelyn Eleanor Alston.

She is survived by her husband, Steven Salkow of Stokesdale, NC; her daughter, Stephanie Cordisco, and son-in-law, Chris Cordisco, of Summerfield, NC; her son, Robert Salkow, and daughter-in-law, Leslie Salkow, of Livermore, CA; and her seven grandchildren: Brianna, Ella, Ava, and Olivia Salkow, and Caden, Kellan, and Hudson Cordisco. She is also survived by her cherished dog, Nika (aka “Nikalina”).

Vicki spent her early years in Southern California, where she attended the Buckley School in Los Angeles. From a young age, she developed a passion for show jumping and became an accomplished equestrian competitor. She also cherished time spent sailing with her father in the Bahamas and sunbathing on the beach.

At thirteen, Vicki moved to San Antonio, Texas, to live with her cousins, Deborah and Judy Saunders. Her father, Victor, an Investment Broker, had business interests in Mexico City that brought the family there, and it was in Mexico City that Vicki continued her studies at the American University. These early experiences and travels helped shape Vicki into the adventurous and spirited woman she would become.

In 1960, Vickie returned to Los Angeles to live with her father Victor and attended both the Girl’s Collegiate School in Claremont and the Notre Dame Academy for Girls in Los Angeles. She later earned a Certificate in Business Administration from San Jose City College and studied Liberal Arts at Santa Monica College. She later met her future husband, Steve Salkow, on a blind date arranged by his close friend, Tim Carryer, who would later serve as best man at their wedding. The two were married on August 21, 1967. While Steve served in the Navy, they began their life together in Oahu, Hawaii.

Vicki had a natural gift for connecting with people and a genuine desire to help others, always placing their needs before her own. This compassion shaped a career defined by service and care. She began her professional career journey in Pearl Harbor, where she served as a Naval Communications Coordinator and was part of the team that tracked the Apollo 11 Moon Landing and its capsule splashdown in 1969. She later built a successful career as a grievance coordinator with LifeGuard Inc, where her empathy and dedication made her a trusted advocate for those in need.

After retiring in North Carolina in 2007, near her daughter’s family, Vicki especially treasured time spent with her loved ones. She found joy in gardening, decorating, shopping, and celebrating family gatherings. Throughout her life, she also had many beloved dogs who brought her great comfort and companionship. Vicki enjoyed music, dancing, watching romantic comedies, and cooking for her grandchildren, always happiest when surrounded by family.

Vicki was known for her strength and determination. She embraced life fully, with a deep appreciation for its beauty and a strong spiritual faith that guided her throughout her journey. Above all else, her family was her greatest joy and priority. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, and nothing meant more to her than being with them. Vicki also took great interest in her ancestry, finding meaning and connection in her family’s rich heritage. She had a remarkable ability to find joy in the simple wonders of life, whether admiring birds in her yard, to the beauty of trees, or the quiet moments in between. Vicki lived with gratitude, warmth, and a deep love for the world around her.

Vicki was an extraordinary storyteller, bringing her memories to life with vivid detail and unmistakable charm. She shared tales of an adventurous life abroad, lively family gatherings, and travels that took her from Los Angeles to Hawaii, Mexico City to Denver, and eventually to North Carolina. Her memory was remarkable, she could recall even the smallest details, turning moments both big and small into stories worth telling. Whether you knew her well or had just met her, you quickly found yourself drawn into her world. With a natural gift for storytelling, Vicki captivated everyone around her, leaving behind stories that will live on, cherished and retold for generations.

Known for her positivity, quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and warm, vibrant personality that could light up any room, Vicki was truly an extraordinary woman.

To know her was to love her, and her absence will be felt deeply. Vicki’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on May 31st at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Greensboro, 3506 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina. A celebration of life reception will follow at Gray Gables, 4105 Oak Ridge Road, Summerfield, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Vicki’s memory to the American Diabetes Foundation or PETA, two organizations that were very meaningful to her. As an alternative tribute, you may also consider planting a tree in her honor, A Living Tribute.