Victoria Padilla

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Victoria ”Vickie” Padilla on August 27, 2024. Vickie was born on October 4, 1956 to Santiago “James” and Beatrice (Chavez) Padilla. Vickie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose unconditional love and loyalty touched countless people.

Vickie is survived by her loving husband, Pedro Reyes, her daughter(s) Beatrice Gauthier, Son-in-law Chris Gauthier and grandchildren Chris Jr., Chantel, and Kristina. Daughter Ciara Mestas, Godsons Ronnie, Jordan (children Marie Jordyn and Lil Jordan) and Lance Mestas (spouse Felicia, children Van and Armani). Her sister Cynthia Padilla, Nieces Lori Chacon (spouse Lorenzo and daughter Brooke Baca) and Roberta Turner (children Brianne and Richard Lovato). Her nephew Michael Fishkin. She is preceded in death by her parents Santiago “James” and Beatrice (Chavez) Padilla and brother James Padilla Jr. 

Vickie Always had a way of making everyone who met her feel as though they were absolutely loved. She had an immensely large heart, filled with love and compassion. If ever you needed anything she was always there, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen or a place to stay, her home was a safe haven. She was infamously famous for her “care packages” which she would send everyone home with before they left her house. God forbid anyone leave her home hungry, it was just her nurturing tendency. She was an amazing cook; people would travel for her smothered burritos, pozole and menudo. People would ask who did the cooking before digging in just to be sure they were eating her food. She made all her food with so much love. 

Vickie was the matriarch of her family, becoming “mom” to so many. She was very artistic excelling as an architect in her early years. But her true calling was as a preschool teacher, she gave her whole heart to those children at the crisis center. She would say ‘some of those children go home to nothing, not even love. I want them to always feel loved and know I am here for that.’ She had such a positive attitude and outlook on life. Even being as sick as she was for so long, she always kept her faith and honestly believed “Everything will be ok, just pray to God and give your worries to Him.” She was a fighter to the very end. 

Even with all those accomplishments she herself would say her greatest accomplishment was being a mother and grandmother. She loved nothing more than being a mom and Nana. And she was wonderful at both. Her grandchildren always loved going to her house because she was such a fun Nana. She would dance and play and just be silly with them. She was truly an amazing and inspirational woman and will be sorely missed.