Veronica Sue Huegel

Viki was born on December 28, 1954, in Erie, PA to John W Huegel and Dorah L Starcher Huegel Trenholm (Dee). At the time of her death to ovarian and clear cell cancer at age 63, she resided in Lakeland, FL.

Viki was the oldest of 3 children with her sister, Allison, and brother, John. She was an amazing “big” sister and helped her siblings in countless ways.

Viki graduated from General McLane High School in 1972 and attended Edinboro University. In 1990, she received her Bachelor’s Degree from University of South Florida (USF). Viki was actively involved in theater and participated in numerous productions both on stage and behind the scenes. Creative writing, a vivid imagination and deeply curious interest in cultures both historical and current, inspired her throughout her life.

At the age of 30, she embarked on an adventure with her Mom, Dee, and they relocated from Erie to Tampa, FL. Driving her car with her dearest possessions, she settled into Florida finding jobs, relationships, and establishing the roadmap for the following decades of her life.

Viki worked at USF in Clinical Studies for numerous years during which she won her first bout with cancer. Emerging victorious, she went on to become a Protocol Study Monitor at Jaeb Center for Health Research, working on diabetes, a cause close to her heart.

Viki enjoyed travel whether to family events, a cruise to Belize, snorkeling in the Bahamas, or searching for antiques and collectibles wherever she went. Viki particularly loved her time with fellow cancer survivors at camps in Lopez Island, WA and Missoula, MT which enriched her soul and offered her a strong sense of accomplishment and community.

Viki is survived by her parents, John Huegel and Dee Huegel Trenholm and step-father, Lee Trenholm; sister Allison Huegel (Jim Sergi); brother John Huegel (Natalie Huegel); niece Kelly Huegel Nott (Ryan Nott, stepson Caden Nott); niece Jenny Huegel Duda (Mike Duda); nephew, Lee Sung Sergi; her best friend, Margaret Gross-King (Carl King); her beloved cat, MyKee; and her Jaeb and USF work friends

Her former husband, Larry Kuhnast, predeceased her.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday September 28th, 2018 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL, 813/968-2231. Visiting hours to celebrate Viki’s life, share happy memories and funny stories are from 12:00 pm-4 pm.

Viki will be deeply missed by her immediate and extended family, dear friends and colleagues.

Viki requested gifts in lieu of flowers be made to two charities that were deeply meaningful to her: Camp Mak-A-Dream, www.campdream.org, PO Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806, 406/549-5987 or JAEB Center for Health Research, www.jaeb.org, 15310 Amberly Drive, Suite 350, Tampa, FL 33647, 813/975-8690.