Grace Victoria Pharr

Longmeadow - Grace Victoria “Vicky” (Cadora) Pharr passed away peacefully at East Village Place Assisted Living the morning of October 14th, 2018. She was 76. Vicky was born in Atlanta, GA on September 3, 1942 to James Linhart Cadora and Grace Ellen Baggett Cadora. She grew up in Decatur, Georgia where she attended Oakhurst Elementary School and graduated from Decatur High School in 1960. For many years, Vicky kept in touch with friends from high school and enjoyed attending high school reunions. She went on to attend Georgia State University earning a degree in education. During her college years, she was active with her sorority and developed a special love for Georgia Tech football games. After college, Vicky married and spent time traveling with her husband John as he served as a Captain in the Medical Service Corps of the United States Army. Vicky and John lived in Korea and Germany and enjoyed every bit of their time abroad. By vocation, Vicky was an educator and taught school for many years, including in Korea. Once they came back to the United States, they settled in Gainesville, Georgia. Vicky earned a master’s degree from North Georgia College and later a 6th year certificate from the University of Georgia. Vicky taught for the Gainesville City School system for over 20 years, starting with 6th grade science and finishing with kindergarten. She was passionate about children and providing not only a solid base from which to build but also a nurturing environment in which to grow. In February 1972, Vicky’s daughter Victoria Leigh (Tori) was born and was her joy. Vicky spent countless hours and many years co-leading Tori’s Campfire Troop, taking the girls camping and to The High Museum. She was not just a leader, but “Miss Vicky” was a mentor and trusted friend to each one of them. She enjoyed art projects both at home and at school and was frequently planning crafty presents for others. And, she loved to travel. Each summer would find her with John and Tori at Amelia Island and New Smyrna Beach. The winters were for skiing out West, in the crisp snows of Sun Valley, Idaho; Big Sky, Montana; and Telluride, Colorado. She visited Alaska with her mother Grace and daughter Tori. She also loved the outdoors, camping and hiking as much as possible. She always made time to spend time with her brother, Allen, sister-in law, Nancy, and nephews, Matt and Scott. And, no matter where she might be, she usually had a book, to satisfy her life-long passion for reading, devouring mysteries, especially. Vicky retired from teaching in 2000 and just a few years later, in 2002, her first grandson, Frankie, was born. Soon after, she packed up and made a big move to Massachusetts to be near her grandchildren, daughter, and son-in-law. Although winters in New England were quite different than those in the South, for a Southern lady, she adjusted easily and never once regretted moving. And, she did not waste any precious time getting settled. In New England, she was enveloped by the entire Furnelli family and welcomed with open arms. She was an active member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She sang in their choir for years as well as participating in Daughters of the King. A few years later, Vicky’s second grandson, Anthony was born in 2004. Frankie and Anthony were the lights of her life. They called her “Gabby” and never failed to bring a smile to her face. In 2009, Vicky was diagnosed with breast cancer, but did not let her diagnosis or treatment slow her down. After she received wonderful care at Baystate Medical Center’s D’Amour Cancer Center, she continued on with life. Vicky was a caretaker, willing to lend a hand to whoever was in need. She babysat for her own grandchildren every chance she got, but she was also the first one to step up for relatives and friends after their various surgeries and hospitalizations. Vicky was known for her kind heart and always put others before herself. In 2012, Vicky began to notice some changes in her left hand and in her speech. After several trips to multiple neurologists, she was diagnosed with Corticobasal degeneration, a rare Parkinsonian syndrome. From the time of her diagnosis to the time of her death, she renewed her determination to make the very most out of her life and to use her time well. She kept traveling, visiting Italy, the Jersey Shore, Lake Placid, Cooperstown, Cape Cod, and Atlanta. She traveled to Disney World many times, including one last time in January 2018. She was a trooper. She rarely missed a single football, basketball, or baseball game when Frankie and Anthony were on the field. “Gabby” was their biggest cheerleader. And, even when her grandchildren were not playing, Vicky loved sports. She was passionate about them and knew all of the rules, too. If she couldn’t find her Atlanta Braves on television, the New York Yankees were a close second favorite, which is only fitting. In between baseball seasons, she loved football. Vicky was always smiling, always cheerful, and she will be missed in ways that are unimaginable. She was pre-deceased by her parents and former husband John Kelley Pharr, Jr. Vicky is survived by her daughter, Tori Furnelli and husband Tony Furnelli of Longmeadow, MA, as well as their children Frankie and Anthony. Other survivors include her brother, Allen Cadora and sister-in-law Nancy Cadora of Cedar Mountain, NC; nephews Matt Cadora of Cincinnatti, OH and Scott Cadora of Peachtree Corners, GA and their families; numerous extended family members and friends. Family would like to thank the staff at East Village Place, especially Rossana, Julette, Netta, Marianne, Annalise, and Lena. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, October 18th from 5-7PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA. Vicky’s service will be held on Friday, October 19th at 10AM in St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 335 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA followed by burial in Longmeadow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baystate Health Rays of Hope or to the Parkinson’s Foundation. For more information or to leave a condolence for the family please visit: www.forastiere.com.