VICKIE HELME OSTERLUND

(née KLAAS)

Born: July 1, 1942

Passed: November 6, 2021

Vickie passed away quietly in her sleep at home in Ajax, Ontario, following a short illness. Vickie was a kind and generous person, and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Before her early retirement, she worked for Guardian Insurance for nearly four decades, part of a pioneering generation of women computer programmers in the industry. She enjoyed a long retirement, travelling and most recently spent her free time visiting her local public library and reading many, many books.

Vickie is survived by her daughter, Dr. Katherine Anne Osterlund, son-in-law James (Jim) Downey and grandson Jackson James Downey. Her sister Marie Redfield, and brother Victor Klaas, sister-in-law Barbara Klaas, niece Stephanie Lee and family, and nephew Michael Klaas and family. She also cherished the companionship of Robert Pennington for more than three decades. She will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Vickie’s daughter Katherine will say a few words at 1:30 p.m. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home.

Friends and family may consider making a small donation to the Whitby Public Library, in honour of Vickie’s lifelong passion for reading. (https://www.whitbylibrary.ca/donations)

Guests will be required to show proof of second vaccination upon arrival. Masks will also be required at all times.

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