Vickie Frayer

Like a crackling fire, Vickie Frayer had a warm smile that naturally drew others close by. She was a remarkable woman who loved life and embraced each day she was given. Vickie loved traveling to see spectacular sights, yet gathered with her family or her friends always topped her list. She adored children and also enjoyed meeting new people wherever she went. Vickie was such a special woman to so many and the memories she leaves behind have now become a priceless treasure, her voice silenced much too soon.

The year 1957 was certainly eventful – and also rich with precursors of the years to come. It was a year in which the space race began between the United States and the Soviet Union, Leave it to Beaver premiered on CBS which set the stage for multiple shows that depicted the new concept of the “ideal family,” and Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, who at that time were known as Tom and Jerry, began their recording career. This was also a significant year in the lives of Wesley and Rita (Fletcher) Frayer as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Vickie Lee, on October, 19th in Lansing, Michigan. Vickie was later joined in her family by her younger brother Bart and attended Lansing schools. When she was in the tenth grade, Vickie moved with her family just a bit to the north to the city of St Johns where residents enjoy the benefits of living in a community with a hometown feel while still having access to a larger city.

After she graduated from St. Johns High School in 1975, Vickie was more than ready to begin the next exciting chapter in her life. She found employment with the Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA) which provides quality benefit programs for Michigan education employees. Vickie enjoyed her work there and remained there for over 32 years.

Although her work was a big part of her life, Vickie certainly understood that there was much more to life than work. There were a variety of activities that she enjoyed pursuing just as often as she could. Vickie loved traveling and often did so with her friend Sally Williams. They were two girls looking for adventure so they were often affectionately referred to as “Thelma and Louise.” Vickie looked forward to traveling even more extensively during her retirement years when she would have more free time. She and her mother spent nearly every weekend together, often traveling to various fairs and festivals. Vickie combined her love for sports and being active together as she participated on both the MESSA softball and bowling teams. She enjoyed listening to country music, or music by Bob Seger, and she even sang in a country band herself.

There were so many ways in which Vickie was truly unique and for which she will be forever remembered. She was a kind and thoughtful daughter who was deeply loved by her family. In fact, that same thoughtfulness toward her parents extended to others as well since Vickie was always willing to do whatever others wanted to do. She was accepting of others and was able to sit and chat with anyone about anything. Vickie was blessed with a keen memory and she was hard to miss since she was always wearing a warm smile. She had a special place in her heart for children and shared a special relationship with her niece. Vickie had exceptional fashion sense, especially when it came to clothing and jewelry, and she always wanted to look her best.

Life drastically changed for Vickie just this past September when she was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, it was this disease which claimed her life just a short time later.

Vickie Frayer was an extraordinary woman who loved her family and spending time with her friends. She enjoyed being social and being active as well, yet was always giving preference to the things that others wanted to do. Vickie loved traveling as often as she could and was blessed to share many of her days with such special friends. She enjoyed listening to country music and sharing her own singing voice with others as well. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever hold tight to each and every precious moment they were given to share with such an extraordinary woman.

Vickie Lee Frayer died on Friday, November 20, 2009. Vickie’s family includes her mother, Rita Frayer of St. Johns; her brother, Barton (Nancy) Frayer of Lansing; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as her special friends, Sally and Howard Williams. She was preceded in death by her father and brother, Bill. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery also in St. Johns, with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends 2-5 p.m. Sunday and 12:30- 1:30 p.m. Monday prior to the Mass at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns with a Vigil Service at 4:00 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.