Vicki Lee (Pike) Buckingham was born May 9th, 1955 to Joe and Jackie Pike in Austin Minnesota. She endured a long hard battle with cancer, fighting it with everything she had, but passed comfortably on Dec. 9th, 2022.
Vicki grew up on a family farm near Brownsdale, Minnesota. There, playing in the woods with her siblings Dan and Cindy, doing chores for their livestock, and helping with the crop farming, she gained the strength and toughness that would be hallmarks of her character throughout life. At 18, she started working in the kitchens at the Mayo Clinic. Her strong work ethic led her to become first a surgical tech and eventually becoming the driving force behind a computer program that was used to track all of the surgical supplies used at Mayo for 20 years. In total, she dedicated 42 years to the Mayo Clinic.
Though Vicki always worked hard at her career, to her, nothing compared in importance to family. She was an incredible wife and mother to her husband John and children Rob and Kari, and she was fondly known as Tickle to her grandchildren. Her adventurous spirit and exuberance for life led to many lasting memories for the entire family. She was always there for those around her with whatever help she could give and greeted everyone she met with an open heart and open arms. Her legacy is one of love and kindness to all people in her life, even during her own times of suffering.
Vicki is survived by her husband John, children Rob and Kari and their spouses, grandchildren Tucker and Annika, mother Jackie, and siblings Dan and Cindy.
A celebration of life will be held at Quarry Hill Nature Center on January 3nd, 2023 from 4pm-7pm.
Memories and condolences of Vicki may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
John and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Vicki’s passing. She was a long time co-worker and friend. She will be greatly missed by all of us! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John and family,
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Vicki. I had the pleasure of working with Vicki for many years on exactly that computer program mentioned above. She was incredibly smart, kind, thoughtful, and hard working. When I was just a young dad, she was one of my go-to people that I went to for advice. I worked many hours and years with Vicki and I can say that nothing made her happier or more proud than when she spoke of her family. Vicki was, quite simply, a great person and friend.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
John, and family,
I m so sorry to hear of Vicki’s death, from cancer.
She was a joy to know, I have memories of both of you, as we all were part of the St Mary’s surgery family.
Geoff Thompson and I enjoyed caring for her as a patient on our service.
My heart is broken for you, and your family.
Find joy in your memories, and knowing she is at peace.
Hugs, and blessings!
John so sorry for your loss many years ago we worked together at St. Mary’s. May you find comfort in all the memories you made with each other sending prayers!
Just thinking about Vicki makes me smile. Keeping you all in my heart. With love, Sheri Ramaker
I am sorry to hear of Vicki’s death. I worked with for many years in surgical services. She was a hard worker with a brilliant mind for planning and executing new strategies. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear John and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Vicki. May your fond memories comfort you. xoxoxo
OMGOSH, the laughs we shared! We trail blazed new positions in surgery in the ’80’s. Vicki was always supportive & forever ready with a prank. Of course, nothing that got us in trouble! Family 1st but I felt like part of it. Indeed a great friend. I miss you.
John & family:
My sympathies to all of you at this sad time. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
John and Family we are so sorry to hear of Vickie’s passing . I remember the good times we had at the lake at Winjums resort. and going to the casino’s and pull tabs. She was such a wonderful person and will be missed greatly,
John and family,
I remember her smile and quick wit. She had a great way of setting you up. I can still see her face when I was on the receiving end of one of her pranks. Hold her memories close.
John and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Vicki! Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May your memories give you comfort!
John, Rob and Kari,
I’m am so sorry to hear the passing of Vicki.
I remember how nice and supportive she was when I started as a core supervisor at St. Mary’s. She made me feel welcome. She always had a smile and was very quick witted. Lots of laughs with her. I always loved the stories you two would share. Prayers to you all!
So sorry John to hear of Vicki’s passing.We certainly share a lot of memories, after all we worked together many years with a lot of laughs.I remember when your kids were born, now that makes me feel old. Hope to see you at the memorial service.
Mary Sutton
So sorry to hear John of the lost of your partner in life. Vicki was always willing to help you with an issue to have a better out come for the patient. John , you and Vicki were so kind and helpful, I was very lucky to have worked with both of you. Thinking of you and your family at this very hard time.
John and family-
My sympathies and prayers to all of you. May all your memories of Vicki help you through the days ahead.
Thinking of you.
So very sorry for your family’s loss. I enjoyed working with Vicky at St. Marys, , she always had a listening ear, a smile, and good advice for you.
May you find comfort and peace with your treasured memories during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.