Vicki Rafel peacefully passed away at her home in Chevy Chase, MD, on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 86 years old. Vicki passed away from complications of a stroke but leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, strength, and dedication to her family and community.

Vicki was born on September 17, 1938, in Greely, CO to Verne and Dorothy (Peterson) Powers. She was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, aunt, cousin, friend, and a ray of light to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Family was at the heart of Vicki’s life. She is survived by her two sons: Sam Rafel of Chevy Chase, MD, and James Rafel and his wife, Kristin (Campbell), of Bloomsburg, PA; a step-daughter, Lisa Rafel Surrenda and her husband, David, of Oakland, CA; five grandchildren, Morgan, Hannah, Hope, Leah, and Bryce; two step-grandchildren, Indra and Ethan; two sisters, Julie Johnson and Pam Powers; a nephew, Marcus Johnson and his wife Ayesha (Huertas); a niece, Christina Johnson; and a large loving extended family. Preceding her in death was her loving husband of 46 years, Norman Rafel, and her step-son, Alan Rafel.

Vicki graduated from George Washington University in 1960. She went on to work for the Washington office of the Seattle World’s Fair and the American Bankers Association. She then focused on raising her sons and volunteering for Parent Teacher Associations at the local, state, and national levels, as well as campaigning for various Democratic political candidates. She also served on the Montgomery County School Board.

One of Vicki’s greatest joys came from creating award-winning cross-stitch and other needlework. She took great pride in entering her pieces in local and county fairs. One of her true passions was collecting and reading all genres of books. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities; as time went on, she embraced technology to watch them from afar.

Vicki’s life was a gift to all who knew her. She is now at peace, and her memory will shine bright in the lives she touched. The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.