POULTNEY —Vicki S. Vaughn, 72, a lifelong resident of Poultney, passed away with dignity and grace in her home on March 22nd, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Vicki is admired deeply for her strength, courage and faith while battling a terminal illness. She fought until her final breath where she was then called home to rest with her guardian angels without pain or anguish, but with love, peace, and light. Vicki was born in Rutland, Vermont on March 14th, 1952, the daughter of the late Virginia M. (Stevens) and Thomas P. Sweeney of Poultney, VT. Vicki grew up in Poultney with her two sisters Joella and Linda in which the three together created a memoir of stories that are still often spoken about among residing friends in the community who were graced by all of the Sweeney girls. She was a graduate from Poultney High School, and briefly attended Green Mountain College to discover that her true niche in life did not reside in a classroom, but everywhere around her. She explored a variety of careers in her early life and later discovered that her calling existed in every community she bestowed as a private caregiver and medical assistant.

Vicki gave birth to her first true love in life Lisa Marie with her first husband and high school sweetheart William "Bill" Hannon. Although they separated, Vicki expressed the impact Bill had in her life as the father of her first blessing. Both Vicki and Lisa navigated and ventured life together and created memories of love and sacrifice, her first child is who taught her that love and happiness know no boundaries. In 1977 Vicki met her second husband James "Jimmy" Gorton who blessed her with her second love in life, her son James Ryan. He opened her eyes to eternal love for her first and only baby boy. Her first two children taught her unlimited values of life when granted with timeless love. Vicki's first two marriages in life blessed her in ways that changed her life for the better, but she knew that her true love was still out there waiting for her—she put her faith in the hands of her angels to guide her where she needed to be.

In the early 80's Vicki and her two children explored life outside of Vermont and moved to Clearwater, Florida. While creating endless memories, Florida is where Vicki met her true love and lifelong partner, Ronald "Ron" Vaughn. Together, they created a life of adventure, love and devotion that can be heard on each strum of her man's guitar strings or intertwined in the lyrics of Deep River Woman. Vicki was in absolute awe to stand beside her own personal musician as she gleamed with pride and joy with the answered prayers that she found the man she would spend the rest of her days with. In 1988 Vicki married the love of her life, Ron; and together they combined two families of endless love and memories that will be carried on in generations to come.

In 1991, Lisa gifted her mom her first granddaughter, Savana Lindsey, whom Vicki absolutely cherished and adored; and in 1992 Vicki, Ron and Ryan returned to Vermont to be closer to family. Vicki cared for her own mother in her family home until her passing. One year later, Vicki and Ron created the ultimate love which tied the family knot, Virginia "Ginger" Rose. Vicki knew that her mother sent her angel Ginger Rose to her as a gift to cherish for many years to come, and that she did. The love she had for her children was indescribable, and the love her children carry for her will live on for eternity. By 1995, Vicki was gifted her final granddaughter by Lisa, Chantel Marie, her second grandbaby she treasured with love. Vicki valued her real-life angels and took advantage of every moment she could spend with all those she loved.

To create a family of love is a blessing not all are granted, but Vicki was the foundation to bring all those together and bless every soul she came by. As years passed and love grew, Vicki cared for her father until his passing in 2003. Vicki was passionate about her faith and connection as a child of God and embraced her life with infinite love for every soul she encountered and cared for. Later in life Vicki gained three great grandbabies that gave her such pride and joy. As she watched all of her babies grow, her love grew stronger each day that passed. Although Vicki gave birth to three children, she was blessed to gain two bonus children. Her bonus daughter Denver Starr, a daughter she didn't birth, but instead a daughter that she was gifted and loved as her own who she shared endless laughter and love with during the last 12 years of her life. Lastly, her stepson Ronnie Vaughn whose song "Shine" filled her with calmness and joy; a melody that played from afar as she took her final breath while in her husband's arms. Vicki and her loved ones created a lifetime of memories that will be cherished every moment that passes until they all reunite again.

Vicki has so much extended family that carry unlimited remembrances with so much love, joy, humor, and compassion—Vicki was everything good in this life who showered every dark space with all the bright colors with infinite capacities. She was the epitome of strength who faced challenges most would not be able to carry, but she carried her struggles with grace. She is recognized for far more than the hard times she endured. To those who love Vicki and find themselves missing her, remember that when you see a cardinal, find a penny, discover a four-leaf clover, smell a rose, hear a song by Cat Stevens, Michael Jackson or the Moody Blues—or come across an angel figurine; that is Vicki telling you she is near and guiding you through every hardship you may face with her love and light beside you. She is the sunshine on summer days, the crackling fire on an autumn evening, the final snowfall in winter, and the windchimes singing in the spring—Vicki is everything good and so much more, she is forever cherished and loved. May she be at eternal peace surrounded by all those who love her, and free from pain—you can dance with the angels now, mom. I will capture your beauty in every word I write and speak; for you are the light to forever guide me through. Love always, your baby girl, Ginger Rose.

Vicki is survived by her loving husband Ronald Vaughn of Poultney, VT, her children Lisa Lamarre (Jason) of Granville, NY, Ryan Gorton of Rutland, VT, Ginger Rose Vaughn (Denver), of Poultney, VT, and her stepson Ronnie Vaughn (Angie) of Cincinnati, OH. Her granddaughters Savana and Chantel Noble, and great-granddaughters Sofia, Layla, and Everleigh. Vicki is survived by her sisters Joella Horton of Williston, VT, and Linda Jackson of Columbus, OH. She is also survived by a niece and nephew whom both she treasured beyond words, Eva Pellegrino of Burlington, VT, and Tommy Horton of Williston, VT—extended survivors include great-nieces and nephews, Anthony, Ethan, Ella, and Emily. Vicki is also survived by her baby Bella, her chosen dog who provided companionship and love during the last year of her life.

Per Vicki's wishes, services will not be held, but instead a family gathering to celebrate the life of one of the most memorable and everlasting souls our lives were blessed to have. A special thank you to Vicki's hospice nurse Fran, your presence brought comfort, peace, and clarity during such a difficult time as you helped guide her and her family to a place of understanding and acceptance with so much compassion. We will never forget the comfort you gave us. Extended thanks to the team at the Foley Cancer Center of Rutland, VT, and all memorable staff that provided care to Vicki at Rutland Regional Medical Center. In memory of Vicki, donations can be made to VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, 7 Albert Cree Drive, Rutland, VT.

Arrangements under the direction of Roberts-Aubin Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.robertsaubinfuneralhome.com