Victoria Mary McIntyre

Born in Fort Snelling, Minnesota to Charles “Earl” and Violette “Vi” Bradley, she lived an extraordinary life of travel, first with her family through her father’s career in the Army, and then, spurred on by her curious mind and love of adventure, with her husband and children.

Vicki’s childhood was spent all over the world, from St. Paul, Minnesota to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, from Governer’s Island, New York to Baumholder, Germany (where she finished high school). She received a B.S. in Criminology from San Diego State University, which led to a career as a court clerk in the San Diego courts.

There, she met the love of her life, attorney James “Jim” McIntyre, in a courtship that sprung from witty notes passed in the courtroom. In 1974, she was married into an instant family of Jim and his two wonderful children from his first marriage, Scott and Molly. In 1978, she welcomed daughter Jill, and in 1985, daughter Jamie, and she and Jim raised their family in San Diego.

When she left her career as a clerk, Vicki took on a role in which she truly shone: full-time super mom. No problem too big to tackle, no hug that couldn’t heal, no enemy that couldn’t be conquered with an elaborate plan, no holiday she couldn’t pull off with Rockwellian charm–Vicki was always there for her children and for her entire extended family, attending every school play and concert, cooking delicious family meals every night, and planning the most extraordinary vacations one could imagine. Vicki believed that travel was the greatest gift one could give their children, and took her family on yearly adventures in dozens of countries.

Vicki was also an incredible volunteer and spent many years on the board of the Bar Auxiliary, serving as a president and chair of the annual Blackstone Ball (and famously indulging her “un-PC” spirit by serving veal!). Known for her biting wit and fierce intelligence, she was feared and admired by many a newspaper editor, penning gloriously incisive takes on current events. She believed that a well-designed home was a gift to all, and enjoyed collecting modern art like Paul Jenkins and Sam Francis and infusing every room with bold colors and patterns. A voracious reader and an enormous theater fan, she was always ready with a recommendation. She was also an incredible storyteller (with her best tales completely unprintable here!).

Vicki’s later years were plagued by early-onset dementia, which quietly and cruelly stole so much from her and the family and friends who loved her. Even throughout the onset of her disease, she was an incredible support to her mother, Vi, and an indulgent dog mom to her terriers, Holly, Jack, and Gus. But even the most brutal disease cannot dim the memories of this viciously funny, brilliant, giving, and loving person.

Vicki is survived by her children Jill Kelly (Mike) and Jamie Brown (Matt) and her step-children Molly and Scott McIntyre (Nicole); and her grandchildren Louisa Jane Kelly, Dylan Olivia Brown, and Alden McIntyre Kelly. She is preceded in death by her husband, the Honorable James A. McIntyre, her parents, Vi and Earl Bradley, her brother Scott Bradley, and her nephew Sean Bradley. Her family finds great comfort that her pain is over and she is reunited with her loved ones.

Vicki will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.