“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” (Randy Pausch)

Former Aberdeen resident, Vicki Hamende succumbed to the effects of Occulopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy with family by her side at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022.

Vicki was born in Elmhurst, Illinois in 1949 to Budd and Yvonne Hamende. She attended University of Illinois earning Master Degrees in Journalism and English.

Vicki spent many years working and residing in the Grays Harbor community. She was a reporter for The Daily World and taught school at Elma Elementary, Miller Junior High and Aberdeen High School. Later she taught at Capital High School, University of Wyoming and Colorado State University.

A lifelong learner, she traveled to achieve the rank of Life Master in Bridge, facing notable opponents including Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. She served the bridge community as president of local chapters for many years.

She loved time spent with her family, especiallly playing games of all types, as laughter and mayhem always ensued.

Vicki is survived by her sister Karen McKissick of Fort Collins, Colorado; her son Zach Edwards of Olympia, Washington, his wife Heather and their children Maddie, Ben and Hannah; her son Duke Edwards of Pinedale, Wyoming, his wife Beth and their children McKenna, Collin, Joel and Delaney; as well as many friends and family.

A private family service will be held in the spring.

Antonio Porchia said, “One lives in the hope of becoming a memory.” We will remember Vicki Hamende well.