From Randy Jerez, our young tech guy friend at Legal Aid. I asked if he’d like to contribute something to this page. I knew Victoria Simpkins Willoughby when I started working at Legal Aid Bronx as a Desktop Support Technician. I eventually became friends with her after saying good morning to her every morning. Vikki was a ray of sunshine every day at work and would always love to laugh. I would always do my best to make the days easier for us, even bring out a giant teddy bear or make jokes with other coworkers. When she retired I got to stay in contact with her either through long phone calls or even longer emails, and I became friends with her husband as well solving all their computer woes and worries. One of my favorite moments with Vikki was that she and I would always sing Soprano back and forth (mine was always a falsetto) to each other at our desks with me checking to see if she was there with a long Viiiiiikkkkkiiii and waiting to hear a Helllllloooo back. And when it was time for us to get out of work to walk to the train together we would trade Tiiiiiimmme to Goooooo. Vikki will greatly be missed. One of the last moments at work together was she would secretly buy and leave animal figures on my desk and it wasn’t until she retired that she revealed it was her. I really hope she’s part of the celestial choir because she would brighten up any day with her spirit, love and her voice.

Vikki Simpkins Willoughby was the willowy redhead in fourth grade two seats ahead of me. We would become lifelong pals, starting out as the Mutt & Jeff of Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s class as she was the tallest & I was the shortest. She was smart, quick-witted with a razor sharp sense of humor, wise in assessing a situation & joyful in her pursuits, especially her theatrical ones. She brought love & kindness to all who were lucky enough to know her. The footlights of life are a little dimmer without her bright smile & sweet voice to light the stage. Love you always, Vikki. Join that celestial choir right away. They’ll be thrilled to have your sweet soprano.

I didn’t know Vikki at Staples but we were hired and started new jobs on the same day in 2010 at The Legal Aid Society. We were both assigned to the South Bronx criminal defense practice. After a few days of taking the subway home together - because it was after dark and it was the South Bronx - I asked where she was from and she said, "Well, I was born in New York City but I grew up in Westport, Connecticut" upon which I punched her (lightly) in the arm and said, "So did I!" From then on we were each other’s best office friends. We shared every detail of our days - the many satisfactions and gripes. Because you kind of ‘had to be there’ and know the people, procedures and problems - no one else we knew would get it. Even after I retired, a couple of years before Vikki did, she sent long, hilarious emails with news and gossip from the office. We often met for early dinners after her work day. I saw a couple of Vikki’s wonderful performances with the Blue Hill Troupe - Gilbert and Sullivan in NYC. I’d really looked forward to a long retirement for both of us, reminiscing about our crazy days in that office in the Bronx. I’ll miss that and I already miss Vikki. Ellen Sandhaus, Staples ‘70

When Jim and I married, I was fortunate enough to gain an absolutely wonderful sister-in-law. Vikki was a beautifully talented singer, funny, sweet, generous, and the world's best aunt to Chris and Brian. Sadly, Vikki passed away this week from an aggressive gliablastoma. I will have only the fondest and sweetest memories of her.