Victoria Grace Surette-Dion

Born on January 4, 1961, in Erie, Pennsylvania to Martha and Arthur Surette, Sr. Vicky lived a life marked by dedication, intellect, and an unwavering love for family and friends. She passed away on November 10, 2024, in Rancho Mirage, California following a 3-year cancer battle.

Vicky was the second of six children and a natural-born leader from the start. With a protective spirit and unwavering strength, she watched over her siblings throughout her life-often stepping in as their fiercest defender and biggest cheerleader. Vicky had a way of showing up, especially when it mattered most. In times of need, she was always the first to arrive, offering her support, wisdom, and love without hesitation.

She graduated from Cy-Fair High School in Houston, Texas, before earning a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business Management from St. Edward's University in Austin. She later completed a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management at St. Edward's, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and professional excellence.

Vicky built a distinguished career in business finance, excelling in financial strategy and leadership. After earning her MBA, she joined Lucent Technologies as a financial planning strategist for a $2 billion business unit. When the company transitioned to Tyco Electronics, Vicky took on greater responsibilities, managing a global team of analysts and overseeing financial operations for an $800 million telecom power systems division. Her expertise earned her a Six Sigma Green Belt certification and the prestigious Operational Excellence Award from Tyco International.

Among her many professional accomplishments, Vicky found the greatest fulfillment at Maui Toys, where she introduced Six Sigma methodology to streamline operations and played a key role in securing a successful $32 million sale for the founder. Her career also took her across the globe, with roles at TDC Pacific Properties, Toyota North America, Amgen, and TBA Global Entertainment.

Beyond work, Vicky had a deep love of travel, especially the simplicity and beauty of the beach. Through her travels she curated a remarkable collection of meaningful art with her most treasured pieces being her Mexican masks. As a competitive swimmer in her youth with the AAU team North Houston Dolphins, she was accepted into Olympic coach Doc Councilman's prestigious summer swim clinics at Indiana University and maintained a lifelong passion for fitness. Above all, she found joy in caring for those around her, especially her beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father Arthur Surette, Sr., sister Annie Surette-Barney; grandparents Jack and Margaret Bisson and William and Marie Surette; cousin Debbie and Uncle Billy.

Vicky is survived by her loving mother Martha; siblings Art and wife Manyuan, Jenny, Pat, Pete and wife Rachel; brothers-in-law Brett and Greg and sister-in-law and Jenny; nieces and nephews Nicolas and his wife Claire and daughter Emmy, Haley, Sam, Grace, Jack, Evelyn, Desi, Carly, and Alex; Her Surette cousins Denise and Diane, and Bisson cousins, Denise, Michael, John, Peggy and Kathi, Aunt's Joanne and Karen, Uncles Jim and John and her husband.

Faith was an important part of Vicky's life. She grew up attending Prince of Peace Catholic Community in North Houston from its inception in 1971. Though she spent much of her adult life in California, she will be memorialized in this sacred church.

Vicky's legacy is one of intelligence, generosity, and devotion to those she loved. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.