Victoria A. "Vicki" Cothroll

MADISON - Victoria “Vicki” Cothroll, age 80, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She refused to let the disease have the upper hand, however, fighting hard enough to make it through her 51st anniversary to her husband, Ed, who was by her side throughout. Anyone who knew Vicki knew how strong her will and determination could be.   

Born on Aug. 5, 1943, to Floyd and Linda (Robinson) Green and the oldest of three children, Vicki grew up in West Chester, Ohio, graduating from Lakota High School in 1961.  She then followed in her parents’ footsteps, attending their alma mater Maryville College in Tennessee.  Apart from meeting lifelong friends at Maryville, her love of books led her to work part time at the college library, which (after a brief stint as a middle school English teacher) later turned into a career.  After graduating from Maryville, she moved back to Cincinnati where, while working as a school librarian, she met Ed through mutual friends who lived in Cincinnati.  As their relationship blossomed, she moved to Chicago where Ed had relocated.  Never one to stop learning, she went on to receive a Master of Library Science from Rosary College (now Dominican University).        

Vicki and Ed were married on June 2, 1973, and she dove headlong into her career as a librarian. Job relocations led her from the Youth Services Librarian at Wheaton Public Library in Wheaton, Ill., to the Director of the Sheboygan Falls Library, back to Wheaton, and then to the University of Wisconsin -Whitewater when the family moved to Fort Atkinson in 1985. There, she earned tenure as an Assistant Professor of Library and Learning Resources. All along the way, Vicki became a mentor, a colleague, and a good friend to those she met and with whom she worked. Vicki loved to sing, and each move also meant a new church choir to join, which she did with enthusiasm and spirit. Vicki and Ed settled in Fort Atkinson, where they raised their two sons and, with what free time she could find, Vicki would bake (her pecan pies were particularly delicious) and spend time gardening.

Vicki strongly believed in civic engagement (fostered by her parents) and, in 1997, she returned to her first love - public libraries - becoming the Director of the Oregon Public Library.  During her 12 years in Oregon, she was active in local civic affairs including having served as President of the Oregon Rotary Club before retiring from the library in 2009.   

Civic engagement, choir, church, books, baking and gardening played important roles in Vicki’s life after retirement. She was active in local political campaigns and organizations and melded her political life with singing as a member of the Raging Grannies. Vicki belonged to several book clubs, held positions of Elder and Deacon at Westminster Presbyterian in Madison, and volunteered at UW’s Allen Centennial Gardens. Learning remained a passion, whether it was completing a Master Gardening Course or reading to her grandchildren, whom she adored. Vicki did everything with determination and commitment.   

Retirement also brought the opportunity for travel. She and Ed spent time in England, France, Spain, Italy, Brazil and Colombia, and went on cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean. In 2011, they climbed Machu Picchu, a bucket list item for Vicki, which she did despite suffering from scoliosis. Vicki and Ed would also drive to visit family and old friends, those road trips stirring memories of the time they drove all around Mexico in a Volkswagen Beetle early in their relationship.  

While Alzheimer’s would eventually rob her of her ability to read, she continued to sing whenever she had the opportunity, and would relax to songs from long-time favorites Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Dolly Parton.   

Vicki is survived by her husband of 51 years, Ed; her son, Brian (Hillary) of Shorewood, Wis.; and her beloved grandchildren, Nora and Spencer; son, Michael (Laura) of Milwaukee; sister, Diana (Ralph) Bradley of Stone Mountain, Ga.; brother, Joseph Green of Bellevue, Ky.; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Linda Green.  

A memorial will be held at WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 4200 Nakoma Drive, Madison, Wis., with the Rev. Scott Anderson presiding on Saturday, June 15, 2024. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m.

The Cothroll family wishes to thank the following organizations for caring for Vicki and supporting the family during her long battle with Alzheimer’s: Northwest Dane Senior Services Daycare, All Saints Memory Care, Four Winds Lodge and Cove, and Agrace Hospice.

Donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or to Agrace Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761