Victoria Stern Whelan

December 30, 1962 - September 14, 2015 Victoria Stern Whelan passed away from complications of leukemia at the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, CA on Monday morning September 14, 2015. Victoria attended Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC and Smith College before moving to New York to launch her professional acting career. Her talent brought her to the stage at the Kennedy Center, as well as performances with New Playwright's Theatre in DC and the Weston Playhouse in Vermont. She earned roles in myriad television, stage and independent films productions on both coasts. Her television work included appearances in Law & Order, Sunset Beach and Boston Public. Victoria starred in and produced LAdies Room L.A., which won the Best Short Film Award at numerous festivals across the United States. After her marriage to Patrick Whelan, she settled in Santa Monica and began raising their two sons, Nick, 16, and Will, 13. Perhaps her best roles were those off stage, where she was a devoted mother, a loving daughter, sister, sister-in-law, cousin and aunt, a generous friend and the light of her husband's life. What she leaves for all of us who knew her is a spirit of great kindness and strength, and the belief that each day is a gift. Victoria was full of grace and gratitude, elegance and courage, even as she battled this most difficult illness. Her absence leaves a huge hole in our hearts, but Victoria will continue to be a source of inspiration and love to all those lives she touched. A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday 10/11 at Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Victoria's memorial fund via the City of Hope website at www.CityOfHope.org/CardsforHope.