Victoria Lynn Puronen

Victoria Lynn Puronen (Govero) passed away on 12/17/2024. She is survived by her son Galen, her daughter Camille, her son-in-law Daniel, her grandchildren Eric (12) and Owen (9), her sisters JoAnn and Mary, brothers Tom and David, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eric Puronen (1942-2012).

The fourth of seven children, Vicki grew up on a farm in Missouri, surrounded by animals and other kids. Vicki completed her undergraduate degree at St. Louis University, where she met her husband Eric on a student canoe trip. Vicki and Eric traveled the world together for 7 years before settling down and starting a family. Vicki earned a Master's in Education from North Carolina State University and worked as a school librarian in St. Louis County until retiring in 2008. After retirement, she served as president of the Old Mines Area Historical Society and volunteered with Circle of Concern in Valley Park, Missouri. Vicki moved to Seattle in 2017 along with her son Galen to be nearer to her grandchildren.

Vicki had a deep love for reading, gardening, nature, and travel. She planted trees and flowers wherever she lived. She enjoyed museums, the symphony, British television, and experimenting with recipes from her Indian cookbooks. However, her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. Vicki was a devoted, playful, and loving mom, aunt, and grandma who cherished big family gatherings, always arriving with a salad and a pie. Though she was curious and adventurous, she was happiest when she returned home to be with the people she loved most. 

Services will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 1st, at St. Joachim Church, 10120 Crest Road, Cadet, Missouri, followed by a repast at St. Michael's House, 15540 Cannon Mines Road in Cadet. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King or the Old Mines Area Historical Society.

Paix à son âme, Victoria.