Lake Riviera Middle School Teacher 'Was An Inspiration To Us All'

BRICK, NJ — A beloved Lake Riviera Middle School teacher is being remembered for her positive nature and her spirit as family and friends mourn her passing.

Victoria L. Smith, who lived in Toms River, died Friday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 60, according to her obituary on the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home website.

She grew up in Brick and had been a special education teacher at Lake Riviera for 38 years, and "considered the school her second family and was involved in many of the school’s activities," her obituary said.

"The Lake Riviera Family of Brick Schools is heartbroken. Special Education teacher Vicki Smith has left us way too soon after fighting cancer with every ounce of strength. She was an inspiration to us all," the Brick Township Education Association said in a Facebook post.

"Vickie had a positive spirit, great humor and directness with a smile that we all came to love," Harvey and PK Lynch, who worked with her at Lake Riviera, wrote in message on the Quinn Hopping site.

"You were always fun to be around, and so good about supporting your partners, and being there for them," Darlene Riva wrote. "You always had tons of energy, running your classroom, and home. You always got the jobs done with such positiveness. I am so sorry that you had to leave so soon. It doesn't seem fair at all."

"What time separates the spirit and soul remain," wrote Sandi Zalinsky, who noted the pair had been best friends going back years. "I'll always love you for your friendship & kindness (you gave me my first pair of waitressing shoes), your fantastic sense of humor and adventure. ... Time can never take those memories away."

Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River. A funeral liturgy will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Toms River.

The family is requesting contributions in her memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org or the Susan G. Komen Foundation www.info-komen.org.

Read more at www.quinn-hoppingfh.com.

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