Vicki Lynn Auditore

She was born May 6, 1957, in Waterloo, Iowa. She is survived by her husband of 22 years Stephen, Oakwood; daughter Samantha, college student in St. Louis; step-daughter Alexis Auditore of Los Angeles; sisters Lori Baker, Cedar Rapids; Julie Leason, Cedar Rapids; Barb Baker, Washington D.C.; brother-in-law Tom, Dayton; sister-in-law Kelly Auditore, Dayton; Marie and Brian Bougen, Hawaii; Phillip Auditore, Dayton; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother Donna Laugen.

Vicki spent her childhood in Waterloo, Iowa, where she was valedictorian of her class at Waterloo Central High School. She graduated from Wartburg College, where she studied journalism and played on the college’s volleyball team.

Vicki has been a member of the congregation of Luthern Church of Saviour in Oakwood since 2006.

Over the years, Vicki worked at a number of firms in Chicago, Silicon Valley, and in Dayton. She was an Editor at Hitchcock Publishing, and Publishing Director at Modius, a division of R.R. Donnelly. While living in Illinois, she opened a children’s bookstore, Blue Kangaroo Books. Many of those who worked with Vicki and patronized the store remain friends today. After relocating to Dayton, she was the Office Manager at The Oakwood Register and startup Aeroseal, serving as Marketing Director until her passing. She was a valued employee and friend at the company

Vicki has two true passions her life: her daughter Samantha, a freshman at Washington University-St. Louis, and the drum and bugle corps activity. Vicki supported every aspect of her daughter’s life in Oakwood; scout leader, chaperone, driver, and supporter for any and all things that involved Samantha abd was a valued and loved member of the Oakwood Mom’s Group. She was a “Premium Swim Mom” and a cherished member of the Dayton Raider Swim Family since Samantha was age 7. Vicki accompanied the Raiders to meets all over the country. Her pride exploded when Sam was admitted to WashU in St. Louis, where she continues to swim.

Vicki made many lifelong friends during her years in drum corps. She began her drum corps career in Waterloo, as a member of the Chevaliers. Her beloved mom, Donna, supported the corps - sewing, cooking, and chaperoning - as they traveled to competitions. In 1977, Vicki found her home in the Phantom Regiment, one of the most storied of all drum corps. She traveled from Wartburg to Rockford, Illinois, multiple times each month as a featured member of the Phantom Regiment color guard. As an adult, she remained part of the Phantom family, casting a long and meaningful shadow for more than 25 years as a teacher, mentor, role model, and supporter.

A celebration service for Vicki’s remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 155 East Thruston in Oakwood. Attendees are encouraged to wear colorful clothing. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Phantom Regiment – Vicki Parkes Auditore Scholarship” fund. The organization is a 501c(3) and located in Rockford, IL.