Anita Vickery

After spending only a few moments with Anita Vickery, it was easy to see that she loved each and every moment she was given. She was a woman who was content in all things, even if the way before her was difficult. Anita loved with her whole heart, and her devotion to her loved ones was unmatched. She was thoughtful, kindhearted, and genuine, and together with her approachable demeanor she drew others near with ease. As her loved ones can attest, Anita had the most distinctive and infectious laughter that she readily shared with those around her. She leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished.

In the first half of the 1940s the eyes of the nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply engaged in the throes of WWII. Back in the United States victory gardens were planted, rationing on common goods was strictly enforced, and manufacturing was focused on supporting the war effort. Victory would come in 1945 with the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki causing great celebration in the streets all across our great land. It was just after this historic day that a young couple from South Bend, Indiana, was pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on June 25, 1946. Anita was welcomed into the world by her parents, Deo and Theresa (Sbraccia) Jones, and she was their only daughter. Her father worked as a machine repairman while her mother focused her attention on Anita. It was a day to remember when Anita was baptized on August 9, 1946, at Church of Christ the King in South Bend. As a young girl she took first communion in 1954.

During Anita’s earliest years she was raised in the family home in a close-knit neighborhood in South Bend. However, when she was about eight years old her parents divorced, which brought she and her mother to a home on Rose Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A student at local schools once in Kalamazoo, Anita attended St. Augustine School and Monsignor O’Brien High School, graduating in 1964.

It was while in high school that Anita began working at Bronson Hospital, which would remain her workplace throughout nearly her entire career spanning 45 years. She worked in a variety of positions such as hospitality hostess, in transportation, in the kitchen, and as a monitor technician trainer just to name a few. Anita loved her job, was well liked by the people she came into contact with, and was very close to her co-workers. It was impossible to not have a good day at work with Anita around as she always had a “good morning” for everyone she met. She retired in 2011.

Life was forever changed for Anita while at work when she met the man who stole her heart. His name was John Vickery, and they met while she was working as a hospitality hostess and he was a patient there. They struck up a friendship and married in 1971. Together they enjoyed square dancing. Anita was deeply saddened with John’s death in 1978

Brighter days were in store for Anita when she met Ron Hord. They also met while she was working at the hospital during the late eighties. At the time Anita was responsible for transporting him to surgery. They too struck up a friendship, and they went on to become longtime companions. Anita and Ron enjoyed driving up North together. Through the years Anita developed a strong and loving relationship with his children and their families. She also liked going to plays at Miller Auditorium with her friend, Judy.

Throughout her entire life Anita never had a bad day, and she filled each day with the people and things she loved. Some of her closest friends were Pat and Paul, Leo and Maribah, and Rich and Louise. Every Saturday night this group found a new restaurant to try, and the great times were well savored by them all. Anita loved playing dominos and had an extensive collection of teddy bears, which numbered more than 1100! She also collected beanie babies and various knick knacks. As a history buff Anita kept old newspapers with significant events and became a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo in the seventies. It was easy to see that she loved her jewelry as she had a ring on each finger, and as far as Anita was concerned the gaudier the better. She was a fan of checking out the deals on QVC, watching The Young and the Restless, and listening to country music. With her fun loving personality, it isn’t really too surprising that Anita’s favorite movie was Happy Feet. Anita was expressive in the love and concern she had for others, which is why she made a point of sending birthday and holiday cards to numerous family members and friends.

Outgoing, happy, and full of unconditional love, Anita Vickery was a blessing to those around her. She was filled with timeless wisdom and leaves behind lessons in forgiveness, being generous and thoughtful, and living fully in the moment no matter the circumstances around you. Anita’s zest for life was contagious, and her vivacious personality was so refreshing to see. The heartbeat of wherever she went, she will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Anita Vickery, of Kalamazoo, died on Friday, September 12, 2014, at Bronson Hospital. Members of her family include her brother-in-law, Paul (Pat) Vickery; step children: Tina Hord Vial (Peter), Dale (Carlie) Hord, Nickie Hord Snyder (Mark); nephews: Matthew and Joshua Vickery; grandchildren: Shauna Mason, Michael Hord, Tate and Trent Snyder; great nephews: Jonathan, Breckin, Austin Vickery. Anita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Vickery; and longtime companion, Ron Hord. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (375-2900) and a time of gathering with a meal will take place immediately following the service in the Life Story Center. Please visit Anita’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association