Jacquelyn Vickers

Jacquelyn Elsye Boscia was born in Walsenburg, CO to Lee Boscia and Ida Packard Boscia on November 16, 1925.  She grew up enjoying school and playing with friends.  When Jackie was 12 years old, her best friend, Nancy McQuade, came to live with them after Nancy’s mom passed away.  Nancy was the sister she never had.  They did everything together including tap dancing.

After high school, Jackie attended CU Boulder for one year.   In 1946 she married her high school sweetheart, Russell Vickers, when Russ returned from the service.  They moved to Trinidad, CO.

Eventually they moved to Denver where they shared an apartment building with several other couples from Walsenburg.  During the week they all saved and pooled their money so they could share a fifth of whiskey on Friday night or go to the movies – they couldn’t do both!!  They were happy.  Some highlights were dancing at Elitches to the big bands, shopping (at which Jackie was an expert) and taking the train to Walsenburg.

In 1957 they adopted a blue-eyed, blonde-haired baby and named her Nancy.  They moved to Glencoe Street where there were lots of kids for Nancy to play with and good schools.  Many friends and relatives came to visit.  Jackie was always cooking and cleaning – a trait she passed on to Jen.

They moved into their last home on LaSalle Place in 1972.

Nancy moved to Cheyenne Wells in 1981.  She met David and they were married in 1982.  This united two families, one from the country, one from the city but with mutual affection.  Jackie always said that one of her favorite trips was a Christmas vacation to Hawaii with David’s parents.  Showing off her special talent for finding hidden treasures, she bought Christmas ornaments in a gas station.  They became some of her favorites.

Jackie and Russ loved travelling, whether it was touring around Europe, Mexico or Canada or hopping in the car to run to Vail for lunch.

Their lives were made richer with the birth of their two grandchildren, Eric and Jennifer.  They were fortunate to spend a lot of time with them.  To top it off, they were able to enjoy all four of their great grandchildren.  Jackie was able to live near them for the last year and a half of her life.

Jackie was employed by Latcham’s Auto Parts and Cherry Creek School District.  She loved gambling, making ravioli, listening to country music, playing poker, riding in the car, eating fudge, McDonald’s chicken nuggets, Dairy Queen, and did I mention, shopping?  Her quick wit and great sense of humor kept us entertained right to the end.

Jackie passed away peacefully, in her sleep on November 1, 2022, just 2 weeks shy of her 97th birthday.  She was preceded in death by, Russ, her husband of 74 years.  Surviving are daughter, Nancy and David Larsen; grandson, Eric and Rachel Larsen; granddaughter, Jen and Josh Thornbrugh; great granddaughters, Emma Larsen, Charlotte Thornbrugh, and Adalyn Thornbrugh; and great grandson, Grant Larsen.   Numerous nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make check donations to:

Visiting Angels, 5441 Boeing Dr., Suite 200, Loveland, CO 80538

Re: Vickers Memorial