Linda S. Vef

Linda Sue (Hickey) Vef, 73, of O’Fallon, Mo, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband and daughter after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born on November 16, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, to Edna and Eddie Hickey, Linda embodied a vibrant and feisty spirit throughout her life. She was full of energy, always up for an adventure, and quick with a warm-hearted laugh or a playful ribbing. Linda’s life was filled with beauty, reflected not only in her elegant sense of style and taste but also in the way she transformed her home into a haven of creativity and grace. Her natural talent for interior design and her impeccable landscaping skills made her home a source of admiration for friends and neighbors alike. Her green thumb brought life to her home for decades—she cared for plants that flourished under her love for more than 50 years.

Linda had an unmatched ability to make food a joyful experience. An excellent cook and an adventurous eater, she loved experimenting with flavors, ensuring that meals shared with family and friends were always something special. She passed along her love and adventure for food to her daughter, Anna, who cherishes memories of cooking with her mother and holds tightly to the recipes her mother shared.

Above all, Linda loved her family, her cats, and her travels. She married the love of her life, Tom Vef, on July 4, 1980, beginning a storybook romance that would last more than 44 years. Tom’s unfailing devotion allowed Linda to remain at home during her 13-year journey with Alzheimer's, where she received his loving care until her final moments.

Linda and Tom shared many beautiful memories together, traveling the world and experiencing life to the fullest. Their adventures took them to the beaches of Hawaii, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the historic charm of Austria and Germany, and the serene beauty of the Grand Cayman Islands. Their favorite spot was always on the beach, and they visited Cancun annually, finding their greatest joy in each other’s company and creating lasting memories together.

In her professional life, Linda worked as an administrative assistant for a large hospital group while raising her children, and later enjoyed a successful career in real estate. She had a passion for helping others find their homes, just as she built a warm and welcoming home for her own family.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Eddie Hickey; and her siblings, Sharon Hickey Hamann and Don Hickey. She is survived by her beloved husband, Tom Vef; her daughters, Anna (David) Lawrence and Kelly Thompson; her granddaughter, Sophia Lawrence; her stepson, Anthony (Linda) Thompson; her sister-in-law, Nadine Hickey; and two nieces and three nephews.

Linda’s husband and daughter, Anna, are especially grateful to Kiesha Sleet, who served as Linda’s caregiver for the last year of her life. Without Kiesha’s love and care for Linda, and support for Tom, Linda would not have been able to remain at home her last year. Kiesha will always remain a loving part of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Linda’s memory.

Linda will be remembered for her laughter, her love of life, and the beauty she created in the world around her. Her family and friends will forever cherish the adventures, warmth, and love she shared with all who knew her.