The Antao family from Eastleigh were among the best of our family friends. We had many of those growing up. My brother Hippol's middle name is Floriano (Vicky's dad's name) and his Godfather was Gonzac Antao, Vicky's eldest brother. We lost touch, all you were always on my mind and in my prayers. Rest in Heavenly Peace Vicky.
Victoria “Vicky” P. (Antao) Lory, 72, of Montpelier, VT
became a beloved ancestor on May 5, 2020. Her warmth touched many hearts and
will be missed.
Victoria was born in Nairobi, Kenya to Jose Floriano and
Luiza Maria Antao. After graduating from St. Teresa’s Girls’ School, Victoria
worked at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) regional office in Nairobi. At age 21,
she accepted a position at CRS headquarters located in the Empire State
Building in New York City.
She embraced all the city had to offer, attending musicals,
concerts and visiting museums. She traveled around New York State, visiting the
Finger Lakes Region and Niagara Falls, enjoying their unique beauty. She
came to appreciate the seasons of the Northeast, especially fall foliage and
the snow.
She met and married James Lory in New York. They worked on
humanitarian disaster relief projects in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and
Liberia. They moved back to the United States and lived in East Hardwick, VT
where they raised their two daughters. Later the family moved to central
Vermont, where Victoria became a home-owner and resided for the remainder of
her life.
She loved the Vermont landscape and its biodiversity. For
nearly 25 years, Victoria had a career with the State of Vermont as a Legal
Secretary for the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the Vermont Fish
and Wildlife Department, and the Environmental Board/ Natural Resources Board,
under the Agency of Natural Resources, where she proudly worked on ACT 250.
Victoria had a strong faith that helped her through life’s
challenges, and for over 30 years was a parishioner at St. Augustine’s Catholic
Church in Montpelier.
She was a proud US Citizen and supported family members who
immigrated to the United States. A world traveler, she spent time in over a
dozen countries on four continents. She knew four languages: Konkani, Swahili,
French and English. Early in life her family took annual trips from Nairobi to
Mombasa along the Indian Ocean. The wildlife of eastern Africa inspired her to
care about conservation. She worked tirelessly to give similar experiences to
her children and expose them to the wonders of traveling, respecting the
environment, and helping others.
Victoria’s humble kindness, consideration for marginalized
people, and intrepid way of leading her life was an inspiration. She was
a force to be reckoned with when she witnessed or experienced injustice. She
took a special interest in the history of Black America and Native America and
cared deeply about human rights. She was proud of her children for their
dedication to social justice.
Hard working and known for her self-sufficient and
independent nature, Victoria had a creative DIY approach to life. She baked and
decorated birthday cakes, stayed up all night to sew dresses and costumes for
her daughters’ special occasions, and took on home fixit projects. She was
generous hearted, smart, and regal, like her namesake.
Victoria led an active life, working out at the gym, taking
walks, hiking, biking, and going on outings with her best friend,
Martha. In her down time she liked listening to the radio, reading, following
the news, learning about world cultures, watching travel shows, and watching late
night talk shows.
Advanced progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia led her to
be under the care of her daughters for the last part of her life. Victoria
enjoyed the company and comfort of their animals. She continued to love family
gatherings, nature watching, car rides, walks, and helped to cook meals, and
tend the garden.
Victoria was predeceased by her parents; her newborn son,
Francis; and her elder brother, Gonzaga. She is survived by her daughter,
Sandra Lory and son-in-law, Zach Tonnissen of Orange, VT; daughter, Yvonne Lory
of Barre, VT; sister, Veronica of London, England; brother, Sebastian of Hove,
England; brother, Thomas of Maryland; former husband Jim of Barre, VT; and
numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nephews and other loved ones
who were special to her.
Her family and friends will cherish the memory of her
remarkable life, and of their time together. Her last few
months of life were spent at Woodridge Nursing Home. Victoria’s family would
like to thank the staff of Maple Grove, especially for their care after her
stroke during the pandemic.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be
held at a later date. To stay informed about plans for a memorial, and to send
condolences to the family, email VictoriaLory2020@gmail.com.
Contributions can be made in her name to:
The Good Food, Good Medicine Program of Barre, VT: gfgmprogram@gmail.com.
The Peace and Justice Center of Vermont in Burlington, VT at
60 Lake Street, Suite 1C, Burlington, VT 05401. www.pjcvt.org
Or your local racial justice, immigrant rights, or indigenous
sovereignty organization.
The family would like to thank Gene and the staff of Stephen
C. Gregory and Son Cremation Service for all they have done to support our
family during this time of loss.
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