Victoria S. McMahan

Victoria, known to everyone as Vickie, was born on March 15, 1938, in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Rose Marie Coviello Sullo and Michael Angelo “Chippy” Sullo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Nancy Sullo; her brothers, Billy and Frankie Sullo; and her cherished son, David Winston Bertram.

Vickie was shy by nature, yet somehow no one remained a stranger in her presence for long. She was famous for striking up conversations with people she just met and, without hesitation, asking the most wonderfully personal questions. Nine times out of ten, Vickie would discover something meaningful they shared in common. The lucky ones became lifelong friends—and there were many of them, scattered around the world.

Her friendships ran deep. Some began more than 60 years ago while abroad in Saudi Arabia; others were forged while raising her children in Houston, Texas. Still more came simply from the people she encountered along the way. She was also a cherished role model particularly to the young women fortunate enough to share in her wisdom, warmth, and generous spirit. Wherever she went, Vickie had an extraordinary ability to turn acquaintances into friends and friends into family.

Vickie was a “boy mom” through and through and immensely proud of her three sons, Michael, Richard and David. She took them on adventures from the mountains of Massachusetts to the sands of the Middle East and the Outback of Australia before eventually making Houston their home. She gave her boys not only roots, but a view of a much larger world.

It was in Houston that Vickie met the love of her life, Robert Campbell “Cam” McMahan. They married on August 17, 1985, beginning a marriage filled with love, laughter and countless adventures. Together they created a beautiful and fulfilling life, blending their family of five—Vickie’s three sons and Cam’s children, Kelly and Rob—and eventually welcoming grandchildren who brought them immeasurable joy.

Vickie and Cam shared a love of travel and entertaining. They treasured time at their vacation homes in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Maine, traveled near and far, and were known for hosting unforgettable dinner parties and holiday celebrations. Their homes were places where people gathered, lingered, laughed and always felt welcome.

No remembrance of Vickie would be complete without mentioning her passion for antiques, decorating and the thrill of a wonderful find. Though never formally trained as a designer, she possessed an instinctive eye and created homes that were beautifully and skillfully curated. She could spot a treasure from across a room and rarely—if ever—passed up a collectible, a good deal or a fine piece of silver.

But perhaps what her family and friends will remember most is Vickie’s one-of-a-kind sense of humor. She absolutely loved to laugh, and even more, she loved making everyone around her laugh. Those closest to her knew the mischievous sparkle that appeared in her eyes just before she said something that would leave a room snickering uncontrollably. It is a gift she passed along to the people she loved, and her laughter will continue to echo through her family for generations.

To those who knew her best, Vickie was a friend, partner, wife, mother and beloved Nonnie. Each knew a different part of her, but all were fortunate to have been loved by her.

Vickie is lovingly survived by her husband, Cam; her brothers, Bobby and Mickey Sullo; her son Michael Bertram, his wife, Barbara, and Barbara's son, Daniel Flynn; her son Richard Bertram, and his partner, Elaine Garlington; her daughter-in-law, LaRetta Daniels, widow of her son David; her stepdaughter, Kelly McMahan, and her partner, Jeff Thompson; and her stepson, Rob McMahan.

She is also survived by David and LaRetta’s children, her adored grandchildren, Peyton, Benjamin and Lucas, who brought her tremendous pride and joy.

A visitation for Mrs. McMahan will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 1-2pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home in Houston, with the funeral following at 2pm. Burial will take place immediately after at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Vickie leaves behind a life measured not simply in years, but in friendships made, adventures taken, homes filled with beauty, tables surrounded by people she loved, and laughter shared freely and often. Those who were fortunate enough to know her will remember that unmistakable sparkle in her eye—and will surely smile when they do.