About
Vicky McKay Obituary
Her journey began in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her ever-inquiring mind, and interest in Nutrition and Health took her to the University of Utah where she received her bachelor's degree in 1974 as a Dietician. After graduation, she secured a highly sought after internship with Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Her career began in Northern California where she worked for St. Joseph's Hospital for many years until moving to a new city and position as a Clinical Dietitian with Kaiser Permanente the last 20 years. She met her soulmate, Bill Collins, and they married in 1991. The love story continued for 34 years. She completed a master's degree in 1999 from The University of New Haven. Her patients were always a priority. She received top patient satisfaction reviews year after year. She approached life with intense curiosity and enthusiasm. Her passions included cycling, running, learning French, Spanish and world travel. She was ercely committed to preserving the natural world and maintained deep friendships with people from all walks of life and cultures. Despite losing their home by re, she and Bill rose up like a phoenix and embraced life as it was. In recent years, she engaged in active study of Buddhism. The coming days will be lled with tears, re ections, and memories of all the joy and boundless energy Vicky shared with everyone she met. Her circle of friends and family runs deep and wide. She is preceded in death by her parents; Orrin and M. Carol McKay, Uncle; Don Apedaile. Her presence is most deeply missed by her husband, Bill, her sisters; Shawn (Glade), Jorgi (Brent), JoLee (Dave) and Mitzi. Sister in laws; Kathy (Noel), Janie (Boyd) 1 niece, 3 nephews and 7 grandnieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA.
Contributions can be made on her behalf to California Native Plant Society, Shambhala.org, Buddhist Coalition for Democracy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
jerry mnkoff
January 16, 2026
We were lucky to have Vicky in our lives. As a colleague and as a presence, she was always wonderful to be around. A valued team member, curious, innovative and ready to share her knowledge, she improved the care each of us gave. For over a decade we experienced her excellence and her patients benefited from her ability to match clinical excellence with personal care.
Now over a decade after leaving the clinic, I can still see her smile, hear her laugh and remember how I could depend on her partnership in caring for our patient dealing the most difficult problems with diabetes. She left people better off than when she first entered their lives. I´m one of them.
Jerry Minkoff, MD
Shelley
January 11, 2026
I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. She was a good friend and coworker. I will miss our lunches and her great sense of humor. Condolences to Bill and her family.
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Katherine Castro
January 11, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. She was a great friend, and coworker. I have enjoyed our friendship through the years, our adventures (vegan diet) our Wednesday lunches, our Friday lunches and our potluck at Teri´s house. I enjoyed Vicki`s stories of family, travels, pictures of her nieces wedding, and her trip with her sister to Scotland. She was an amazing person and I will miss her a lot. My condolences go out to Bill and her family.
Theresa Lee
January 9, 2026
I am so sorry and heart broken to hear about Vicky's passing. She was a cherished friend - so much time spent laughing and talking. She was an amazing person and one that will be missed. Soar in the skies, you will always be in my heart - Mi Amiga Favorita! My love and prayers to Bill and her family.
Teri Miller
January 8, 2026
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of sweet kind Vicky. I enjoyed our friendship and working with her.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Teri Miller
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