Victoria (Vicki) Avink Purgiel

Victoria (Vicki) Avink Purgiel, age 61 of Hastings, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on August 10, 2016 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Vicki was born September 17, 1954 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the only daughter of Henry and Nadeine Avink. After graduation from Godwin Heights High School she attended Michigan State University and Calvin College receiving a BS degree in Political Science. She joined the presidential Gerald Ford reelection campaign, working out of the Grand Rapids headquarters. She later attended the Republican National Convention held in Kansas. Vicki spent 19 years working for Lake Michigan Credit Union. Her most recent position was that of the Call Center Director. Vicki was the kind of director that led by example.

Vicki's passion was downhill skiing. She spent many years out west skiing at Breckenridge, Aspen, and Keystone. Her exercise didn't stop at downhill skiing she loved dancing and long distance running.

Vicki is survived by her husband Patrick, four children Rory Beth (Jeremy) Novosad of Walker, MI, Jacob (Kelli) Triplett of Byron Center, MI, Lucas (Nicole) Triplett of Brooklyn, MI, and Samantha Triplett of Grand Rapids, MI. Step-children, Kevin Purgiel of Cookeville, TN and Cynthia (Tim) Lawrence of Byron Center, MI. She is survived by her mother Nadeine Avink, brother, Henry (Liz) Avink III, James (Sandy) Avink, Scott (Jill) Avink, and Terry Avink. Vicki is a proud nana of 12 grandchildren, and aunt of numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father Henry Avink II and nephew James Paul Avink Jr.

We are appreciative for the wonderful cancer care provided by the University of Michigan Cancer Center especially oncologist Dr. Sahai and his professional team. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful care provided by Spectrum Hospice during her stay at home. We are also thankful for the prayers, visits, calls, cards, flowers, and food provided by family and friends especially our soup angels.

Relatives and friends may meet the family for visitation on Sunday, August 14, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at Holy Family Catholic Church, located at 9669 Kraft Ave., Caledonia, MI. Rosary will be said at 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am., Monday, August 15, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Caledonia, Michigan, with Fr. Richard Altine Celebrant and Pastor Timothy Dieffenbach, Eulogist.

Those who wish may make a memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, earmarked for Pancreatic Research.

Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Hastings, Michigan.