Victoria Ann Wildman

Victoria Ann Wildman (nee Reichert), aged 89, of South Hadley, Massachusetts, passed away on Thursday, June 12 at the Arbors Assisted Living Care in Amherst. She was born July 15th, 1935 in Hyde Park, Boston, a daughter of the late Albert George Reichert and Blanche Reichert. Victoria was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Paul Gilbert Wildman, who passed in May of 2018, and her brothers Albert, Richard, Joseph, and sister Virginia. Victoria (Vicki) grew up in the town of Dedham, MA and attended Dedham High School where she met her future husband, Paul. Their love was immediate and eternal. They soon bonded for life, graduating together in 1953. Vicki attended Simmons College, graduating in 1957 with a degree in physical therapy. They married in May 1958. After Paul completed a stint in the U.S. Army, narrowly missing an assignment to Vietnam, they moved to Palmer, then Holyoke, finally settling in South Hadley, where they purchased a home and raised their five children. Vicki was a loving, thoughtful and energetic woman, who was known for her smile, laughter and patience. Vicki was involved in civic organizations such as Junior League, Kulturama, and was a Cub Scouts Den Mother. While raising her children, she was a substitute teacher at South Hadley High School. Starting in the 1980s, Vicki worked as a Physical Therapist Supervisor at Belchertown State School. When the facility was closed in 1992, she aided in the planning for and relocation of their clients into community group homes. She continued to work for the Department of Developmental Disabilities and Human Services, providing guidance, support and training for caregivers in both community and private homes throughout western Massachusetts. She was deeply respected for her knowledge and the care and attention she gave to all she met. Vicki loved music, something she encouraged and inspired in her children. She was an accomplished piano player, an active member of the South Hadley Chorale and in her church choir. In her 70's, despite suffering from severe arthritis, she took up learning to play the cello and for several years enjoyed playing both for her own enjoyment and with a small group. Her love and memory live on within her five children, Laura, David, Douglas, Kenneth and Judith, as well as with her much loved nine grandchildren and her five great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held on July 25th at 2:00 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Holyoke, MA, of which she was a member for many years. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Victoria, please visit our Tree Store.