Victoria Zuleger Straughn

Victoria was an amazing Friend, a worker for justice, someone who made this society better continuously by her hard work and an inspiringly dedicated community member .... oh, so many things to say about Victoria.... I am in shock to realize she is not here with us in a physical way .... and I am in gratitude for having had Victoria in our lives over all these years.!!! A big hug to Dean. THANK YOU, Victoria!!!! I know you are busy organizing for improvements at that next place where we all go.... and we'll continue to benefit from your work here forever.....

Victoria has served as a model and a mentor to me in my work for MTI. Her strong, but calm voice has served us all well. She will be greatly missed. Love and hugs to Dean.

To Ms. Straughn: Thank you. Thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you for injecting passion and life into my education. Thank you for your encouragement, support and acceptance. Thank you for always demanding more, pushing me to be better, work harder, learn more. Thank you for being one of the first people to introduce me to women's studies; to make me understand the importance of feminism and the strength there is in being a woman. Thank you for being my role model, my mentor. When I look back at my high school years, you and your class will always be a highlight. My sincerest condolences to your family and loved ones. I hope they know the impact you have left throughout your career as a dedicated and loving educator. Sincerely, A Former Student

Vicki, I’m glad that I was able to see you one last time before the end. It was a pleasure to talk with you and Dean over breakfast, and to hear your opinions on the state of the world, which were always insightful and often made me consider my own perspectives. I am also glad that you, I, Dean and Gail got a chance to play cards one last time. I don’t recall who won that particular game of cribbage, but I remember that it was a good time, with plenty of friendly banter and joking. Needless to say, I don’t think any Zuleger family gathering will be quite the same without you. The brightness of your personality always made family get-togethers feel larger and warmer than they already were. I would always look forward to hearing stories of the Zuleger sisters’ childhood, always retold in witty fashion by you, my mother and Renee. I will miss your unique, clever insights into the world and your always-entertaining stories from your past. This all happened much too suddenly and too soon, but I’m glad we had one last chance to chat and play games and say goodbye shortly before your departure. Love and peace of mind to you, Dean, Matthew, and Sidonie.

Dean, I am so sorry to learn of Vicki's death. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family. Mary Schroeder