Victoria T. Garay

Victoria Zukowski Garay, 55, of Parlin, NJ, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on July 15, 2022.   

Victoria was predeceased by her father, Edward, mother Dolores, and brothers, John and Gregory.  Left to cherish her memory are her husband Wilfredo, her children Raymond, Valentina (husband Vincent) and Emily, and grandchildren Madison, Raymond, Alicia, and Gianni Joseph.

She is also survived by her siblings Jean (husband Richard), Joan (husband James), Joseph (wife Cindy), Mariana (Camacho), Valeria (husband Peter), Adria (husband John), and Paschal along with numerous nieces and nephews.

As a child, Vikki played basketball, softball, spent her summers swimming, and like her mother Dolores, had a natural athletic ability.  She spent most of her life on Staten Island until she moved to NJ in 2017.

Victoria attended Susan Wagner H.S. and the College of Staten Island.  Victoria spent much of her life in service to others.  As a certified nursing assistant, she worked with the elderly during the time they were most in need. She was very generous with her time caring for her own mother during her final months.  

In addition to her efforts as a caregiver, Victoria had personal interests that ran the gamut.  She loved cooking (the more cheese, the better), throwing parties, shopping, and going to garage sales.  Vikki was a lover of crime shows, music, her family and friends, her faith, and the color purple.  

Vikki was a parishioner of St. Bernadette’s Church in Parlin, NJ and a former parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, serving as a reader at Mass.  She was an active member in her fellowship, always willing to be of service and to pass onto others all of her experience, strength, and hope.  She was there when you needed her.  

To know Vikki is to have laughed with her hearing her favorite sayings such as “Oh no!” or “Damn Skippy”.   Whether you were a close friend or stranger, Vikki talked to everyone.  Her gift of gab, ebullient personality, and sense of humor will never be forgotten.

Vikki was a hard worker especially when advocating for others.  If you needed Vikki, she was there for you, always willing to babysit, drive you to appointments, and be there as a helping hand.  

She was resilient in the face of adversity having overcome many challenges. She demonstrated an attitude of gratitude living one day at a time.  Even when ill, she continued to throw parties for family and friends.  She exemplified a spirit of generosity and the love we all need everyday in our lives.  

May God grant her pardon and peace.  May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.