Carmel J. Vickers, 91, of Colts Neck, passed away on Thursday, March 20. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, GIGI and friend.

Carmel was born to her late parents, William and Vincenza Andrews (née Dimeck) in London, England. Carmel emigrated from England with her family in 1948 to Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Mackenzie High School in Dearborn, Michigan.

After graduating High School, she worked for JL Hudson’s in downtown Detroit as an Assistant Buyer where she established a keen eye for quality clothing, fashion and craftmanship. When Peter emigrated to America in 1960, they reconnected and soon began a life-long partnership and wonderful love story. Moving several times for job transfers the family settled in New Jersey where they raised their family.  Carmel cherished her family and her faith. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she embraced the beauty of God’s creation in her garden.  You would find her many hours tending to her beautiful garden, where she said she found peace and solace. She shared her love through baking, especially the annual holiday Cookie Day that became a cherished family tradition and brought the family together in warmth and joy. Her Linzer torte cookies are always the number one request. She loved her history and openly shared her love for our country.  Her English heritage was important, and she passed along many customs and traditions to her children and grandchildren.  She lived her faith through her church, volunteering and helping others.  She volunteered for over 35 years with Interfaith Neighbors, Meals on Wheels program.  She spent many days delivering meals and sharing a story with her faith neighbors. She prayed for everyone, and Carmel’s unwavering generosity and compassion touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of faith and service to others. Carmel has been a parishioner of St. Mary’s church for forty years.  She was involved in various church ministries such as the Martha Mary Guild and parish food pantry.

Carmel is predeceased by her parents; her son, John Vickers; and her siblings, Florence, Phyllis, Muriel, Vincent, and Emily.  

She is survived by her loving husband, Peter F. Vickers; her children, Anne La Porta (Thomas), Veronica Bertscha (William), James Vickers (Lisa), and Mary Friend (Jeff); her grandchildren, Gabrielle & her husband Ryan, Connor, Thomas & his wife Kristina, Madison, Emily, Joseph and Adam; and her great-grandchildren, Ava and Layla.  

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27 from 4pm – 6pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, March 28 at 11:00am at the Parish of St. Mary, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck. 

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Carmel’s family asks with gratitude that donations in her memory be made to Interfaith Neighbors; http://interfaithneighbors.org/nutrition-meals-on-wheels/mealsdonation/ .  Please make sure to add: In Memory of Carmel Vickers; under gift comments.

For messages of condolences, or to share a favorite memory of Carmel, please visit her page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com.