Vicki Lee "AV" Shaffer

Vicki Lee Shaffer (née Bloom) passed away on February 3, leaving behind a circle of family and friends who will miss her deeply. A free spirit, Vicki embraced life with curiosity, generosity, and joy-and invited everyone around her to do the same.

Born in Chicago and raised in Virginia, Vicki formed lifelong friendships early on that remained a steady source of love and laughter throughout her life. She later returned to Chicago as a devoted single mother, earning her master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. For more than forty years as a clinical social worker, Vicki touched countless lives through her work in residential treatment facilities, schools, camps, and private practice. Her warmth, down-to-earth wisdom, and deep compassion made her both a trusted professional and a beloved confidante.

Beyond her work, Vicki delighted in the pleasures of living well. She was a world traveler, a music lover, and a glass-half-full oenophile. She was happiest surrounded by friends and family-sharing a glass of wine on her balcony or a far-flung beach, singing her heart out at karaoke or in a vocal recital, and dancing to live music whenever the chance arose.

Vicki was the beloved daughter of Nancy and the late Dr. Robert Bloom; the devoted mother of Jimi Shaffer; the cherished grandmother of Dominick Shaffer; and the loving companion of Paul Matzerath. She was a dear sister to Michael (Erin) Bloom, Russell Bloom (Terri Mason), and David (Sarah) Bloom. Nicknamed "AV," she was also a doting aunt and joyful co-conspirator to Matthew (Danielle), Kennedy (Trevor Unger), Allison, and Jacob Bloom (Olivia Caruso), Naomi (Patrick) Hohman, and Joseph Bloom (Victoria Sills). A dear niece to her aunts and uncles, Vicki was also the favorite among her many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vicki's memory to causes close to her heart: supporting children in need and those affected by cancer. Contributions may be made to Jewish Child and Family Services https://www.jcfs.org and/or Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/ways-to-help/.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment will follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For service livestream details, shiva information, or to leave condolences, please visit (www.shalommemorial.org) or call (847) 255-3520.