Vicki Lynn Shaver

March 13, 1951 – July 25, 2026

Vicki Lynn Shaver, a woman of profound empathy, fiercely independent spirit, and endless devotion to others, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, at the age of 75.

Born on March 13, 1951, in South Bend, Indiana, Vicki was the daughter of the late Vince and Charmaine Fragomeni. She grew up alongside her twin brother, Vince, and her younger sisters, Mary Lou and Gina. From playing good-natured pranks on her sisters with her twin brother to youthful days spent around Diamond Lake, Vicki developed a warmth and dry humor that would define her entire life.

Vicki put herself through Purdue University, eventually earning a degree in sociology. With this education she dedicated her career to Child Protective Services. For decades, her life’s work was protecting children and advocating for those who needed a voice. Her core being was defined by a deep, unwavering care for humanity—a virtue reflected not only in her professional life, but in her progressive ideals and her everyday kindness. Even in her final days, her primary concern remained the comfort and well-being of those around her.

In 1977, Vicki married John Shaver. Following his passing in 1985, Vicki showed remarkable resilience as a young, single mother. In 1988, she took a courageous leap, moving with her seven-year-old son, Dylan, to Las Vegas. As a Mother Vicki always pushed her son and was a constant reminder that there was more to the world than being clever. She instilled in him a love of music, theater, and constantly reminded him to remain compassionate in an increasingly challenging world.

Though the city was unfamiliar and far from home, Las Vegas quickly embraced her. There, among her colleagues at Clark County, Vicki built an adopted family whose connections spanned nearly 40 years. Together, they shouldered life’s burdens, traveled the world, cheered at the Del Mar horse track, and shared decades of laughter. Many of them still owe her poker winnings which the estate does not intend to forgive.

Vicki would describe herself as a homebody, and she was certainly happy with a quiet morning with biscotti and black coffee. In reality, however, she kept a social schedule packed with playing cards with friends, trying her luck in the casino, and endeavoring to see every best-picture-nominated film in recent memory. She loved experiencing the world’s cultures firsthand and, in her retirement, traveled across the world. From exploring her Italian heritage in Italy, visiting Cuba, along with countless journeys across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central America.

But it was the arrival of her grandchildren, Rose and William, that brought her the most joy. Simply being in their presence would bring her joy. Whether watching them swim with dolphins in Mexico or sharing everyday moments at home, her capacity for loving them was limitless. Her strong personality will live forward in them. Rose’s pensive wisdom and wry sense of humor and William’s longing for adventure and wildly compassionate heart.

Vicki is survived by a loving tribe of biological and chosen family: Dylan Shaver, his wife, Christina (with whom she will now never share her lasagna recipe), and her beloved grandchildren, Rose (10) and William (8); her twin brother, Vince Fragomeni; and her sisters, Gina and Mary Lou. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Shaver, and her parents, Vince and Charmaine Fragomeni.

Services & Memorial Information

Celebrations of Vicki’s life will be held in both Indiana and Nevada to allow friends and family in the places she called home. Details of those services will be released in the coming days.

Vicki spent her summers on Indiana’s North Twin Lake and would volunteer at the nearby Paws & Claws Bookstore — a small secondhand bookstore that supported the local animal shelter. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Vicki’s honor to a cause close to her heart where she regularly volunteered:

ARK ℅ Paws & Claws Bookstore, 309 Defiance St., Howe, IN 46746

Contributions may also be made online at https://givebutter.com/ArkDonations

Among Vicki's last wishes was the demand that "nobody sit around being sad." A celebration of her life will be held at her Las Vegas home on August 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. An additional celebration will be held in Indiana, details to follow. The family invites all who knew her to join these celebrations to share stories and laughter.

"May your heart always be joyful / May your song always be sung / May you stay forever young." - Bob Dylan