Vicki Lynn Gately

Vicki was born on January 25, 1949 in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia to Fred and Ruth Rankin. Having moved to Northern Virginia in her early years, Vicki attended and graduated from W.T. Woodson HS in 1967. Vicki then proceeded to Shepherdstown College Business School after which she embarked on a 40-year administrative career with numerous private companies and Government agencies in the D.C. metropolitan area. Vicki was the consummate administrator, known for her attention to detail, good cheer and outgoing personality, and a “can do” ethos that made each organization she worked for a far better place than what it had been before she arrived. She earned numerous performance awards for her outstanding contributions. She retired from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2015.

While living in Northern Virginia in the late 1970s, Vicki began making numerous weekend sailing excursions to Annapolis. In the early 80s she permanently moved to Annapolis to be near the water and the sport she loved. In 1988 while working at the US Naval Academy Sailing Center, she met her future husband Bary Gately who was a USNA sailing coach. A courtship and marriage followed in 1990. Vicki and Bary were devoted to each other for 32 years of marriage. Vicki gave willingly of her time to the ASPCA and her Timber Creek Community Association as well as serving as a volunteer offshore sailing coach at the USNA. She enjoyed travel, was an excellent chef, master gardener, and loved being the ultimate “dog mom” to her golden retrievers, Molly, Katie, Nick and Grace. She was the funniest and truest of friends. She wishes to be remembered for her love of family, friends, pets and life itself.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ruth Rankin. She is survived by her husband Bary Gately and sister, Cindi Snoddy (Jeff), her golden retriever, Grace, and her many fortunate friends.

A memorial reception for Vicki will be held at John M. Taylor Funeral Home 147 Duke of Gloucester Street

Annapolis, Maryland 21401 on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 11:30 to 1:30 Pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vicki’s name may be made to any animal rescue organization or to a charity of your choosing.