Vicki J. Espeland, born Victoria Jean Englert, in August of 1945, was the daughter of the late Edwin P. Englert Jr. and Constance Heinz Englert and the older sister of Christine Chiarello. She departed this earthly life on December 21, 2022 at the age of 77.

She grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she met her husband Jon. They were "high school sweethearts" and later married in February, 1968. Due to transfers with her husband's company, she lived in Marietta, GA, Newtown, CT, and Round Rock, TX before moving to Middlebury, CT where she lived for more than 36 years.

From an early age, Vicki knew that it was her calling to be a teacher. She went to college at National College of Education, now known as National Louis University, and received her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Her pursuit of knowledge continued many years later at the University of Texas and then the University of Connecticut, where she earned her Master's Degree in Assistive Technology.

Vicki enjoyed her career as a teacher and taught children with special needs at Memorial Middle School in Middlebury and then Pomperaug Elementary School in Southbury. She would direct an annual event which gave her students opportunities to perform for family and friends. She also thought technology played an important role in teaching and was always an advocate for implementing new technologies in the classroom.

Vicki loved the Lord and served by teaching Sunday School classes at Christ the Redeemer Church in Southbury and would help run the annual Vacation Bible School. She also played the keyboard and was part of the worship team for many years.

In her later years she enjoyed her retirement. She traveled with her husband in a recreational vehicle to Alaska more than once and also enjoyed traveling to National Parks and Hawaii. She spent time with her grandchildren at fun locations such as Bermuda, Long Beach Island and Virginia.

Vicki loved New England and especially enjoyed going to Patriots games with her husband to cheer on "The Pats". She was an avid reader and her grandmother taught her to be an excellent cook.

Throughout the years Vicki enjoyed taking her children and grandchildren shopping. It brought her joy to buy them new clothes and shoes. She was a very giving woman and would purchase thoughtful gifts for her friends and family even when there was no occasion. She was very generous to give advice.

She was an amazing woman, a 'one of a kind', and she will be missed by everyone who knew her and had the privilege to spend time with such a beautiful soul. Words cannot express what a wonderful person she was.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jon C. Espeland, in addition to her daughter Melissa Merrill and husband James Merrill, grandchildren Bryce, Luke and Haven of Collegeville, PA;, her son Jon E. Espeland of Ridgefield, CT; her daughter Caroline Loney and husband Scott Loney, grandchildren Smith and Griffin of Silver Spring, MD; her sister Christine Chiarello and husband Domenick Chiarello of Anthem, AZ; as well as her nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will take place on January 7, 2023 at Christ the Redeemer Church in Southbury, CT at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. The Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home of Southbury is in care of arrangements. Memories and photos may be shared at www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com website. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Operation Christmas Child, samaritanspurse.org/occ.