Victoria Jean Gilbert

Victoria "Vicki" Jean Gilbert, age 76, of Lino Lakes and formerly of Willmar, passed away Thursday, March 14, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

A celebration of life will be held from 4-6 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 8, at the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. The interment will follow at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Victoria Jean Gilbert was born on October 5, 1947, in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of Roderick and Abigail (Forsman) Tait.  She grew up in the Kandiyohi community and received her education in Willmar.

Vicki loved to sing. She won a talent show in middle school with a standing ovation. In later years she accomplished her GED.  Vicki was always in the kitchen cooking for everyone, and she was the lunch lady for many years. The kids loved her and she was always there to put a smile on their face. Her laughter would light up a room. She was a true firecracker!!

Vicki loved living on the river for many years in Beloit, WI where the entire trailer park knew her and Richard. She was the highlight of the everyone's day and for several years she played pool. She was best dressed lady whenever she went out. Her favorite color was purple. Vicki truly had beauty that shined inside and out!

Vicki was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She considered her family a village and was always there to help when needed. Vicki was not only a amazing grandma but she was so proud to be a "GREAT" grandma is what she called it in May of 2007. Vicki got to travel to Texas and see the beach in 2011 and 3 years later she flew to San Antonio for a fun trip with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She truly was a GREAT grandma, mom, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and we will all miss her and the love she poured into all of us. 

She is survived by three children, Wendy (and Che) Rivera, Wade Weis and Cari Jones (and friend, Troy); and several grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her 2nd & 3rd husbands, Richard Cain and Richard Gilbert.