Vicki Maureen Bork

Vicki Maureen Bork (Carlson), age 63, of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, surrounded by loved ones.

Born September 4, 1962, in Marquette, Michigan, Vicki grew up on the shores of Lake Superior as a proud Yooper with Swedish roots. She loved pasties, the quiet solace of nature, and winding down dirt roads. After the family moved from the Upper Peninsula to Lansing in 1974, she later called Midland and Saginaw home. A Michigan State University graduate and high-school valedictorian, she founded Head to Head, a middle-school competition program, and ran Tall Tails Press—always creating ways to lift others up.

Above all, Vicki was “Mominator.” She was a fiercely loving mother to George Edward (Taylor), Richard Scott, and Andrea Clare, pushing them to believe in themselves and work hard. To countless others she was simply “Ma,” opening her heart and home to friends in need and taking in strays of every kind. She hosted legendary “Holiday HooHas” and filled her house with love and quirky toys for her grandchildren Amelia (4), Ava (1), Colton (9), and Barrett (8).

Vicki’s quick wit, spunky humor, and enormous heart defined her. She loved classic rock (head-banging to grunge even on her final day), Judge Judy, true crime, and cooking. She found her deepest peace in nature at the family camp up north in Kalkaska, which she truly believed was a “Better Place to Be.” To the very end she remained at peace, proudly telling her family how happy she had been with her life. With her signature humor intact, she left this world reassuring her loved ones with the same gentle warmth that made every stranger feel at home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard “Dick” Carlson and Margaret “Peggy” Carlson, and her sister-in-law Deena Carlson. She is survived by her former husband George Fredrick Bork; children George, Richard, and Andrea; grandchildren; brother Scott Carlson (Kris); “besties” Tina and Teri; pets Frida (dog) and Mrs. Pemberton (cat); and a large circle of bonus kids and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 PM at Emerson Park Shelter E in Midland, MI (casual dress). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Humane World for Animals in honor of Vicki’s lifelong love of animals.