Victoria Elizabeth Lia

Victoria Elizabeth (Ranieri) "Vicky" Lia, age 80, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in the Bronx, New York on February 18, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Alba (Lionetti) Ranieri. Vicky spent her early years in the Bronx before her family settled in the Yonkers, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1962. Following her graduation, Vicky took a position with AT&T in White Plains, working in the accounting department.

Vicky married her beloved husband, Gary P. Lia, on September 19, 1964, in Westchester, New York. The young couple made their first home together in Parsippany, New Jersey, and Vicky found a receptionist position with the local RCA office. Once welcoming children, Vicky settled into a full-time role of being a Mom, raising and caring for her young family. As a devoted wife to her husband, Gary, Vicky was the first one to support his growing career, packing their home for several moves over the next two decades. A few years were spent in Mount Arlington, New Jersey before traveling up the east coast to make a home in Scituate, Massachusetts in 1971. Seven years later, the Lia family returned to New Jersey, making their home in Mount Laurel. In 1983 they embarked on their greatest adventure yet - moving north to Canada to build a life in Oakville, Ontario as Gary’s career continued to flourish. In 1986, the family returned to Massachusetts, settling in Walpole, where Vicky began a new chapter – pursuing her passion for learning by enrolling in courses at Dean College in Franklin.

As her children became more independent, Vicky was able to fully devote herself to her education. Her dedication and academic excellence led to her induction into the prestigious Elisabeth Kaiser David Degree Program at Wellesley College – a milestone she held with immense pride. Around the same time, Vicky and Gary decided to sell their house in South Walpole and build a dream home in Westwood in 1997. Two years later, Vicky graduated from Wellesley College achieving a bachelor's degree in English, with honors. Throughout her college experience, Vicky maintained the desire to help others less fortunate fulfill their educational goals. So, with degree in hand, she accepted a position at Mass EdCO.

For the next 25 years, Vicky dedicated herself to empowering underserved students, helping them reach their potential and pursue brighter futures. With tireless commitment, she advocated for one student after another and ensured they had access to the resources, support, and opportunities they needed to succeed academically and beyond.

Vicky's passion and sense of purpose were unmistakable throughout those 25 years. She became a fierce advocate for countless children, offering them a voice when they had none and standing by them through their most difficult moments. With unwavering compassion, she worked tirelessly to ease their burdens and help them feel seen, heard, and valued. Vicky and Gary spent countless Christmas mornings at group homes making pancake breakfasts and giving presents to those spending their holidays alone.

After settling in Medfield, Massachusetts in 2010, Vicky dove headfirst into her new community. She quickly joined the Medfield Democratic Committee, spearheading events to help gather votes. Even after leaving Walpole, Vicky's heart remained on the greens of the Walpole Country Club, where she and Gary were members for over thirty years. The couple looked forward to hitting the links for a day of fun and a night of comradery with fellow members.

Vicky and Gary shared so much more than the love of golf, often planning trips to explore far off destinations. Some of their favorite places to visit were England, France, Italy, Australia, the Bahamas, Florida, and Hawaii.

Back at home, Vicky loved curling up with a good book, building her library full of mystery, romance, and thriller novels.

Above all, Vicky's greatest love and devotion were reserved for her family, especially her 12 grandchildren. Her most treasured memories were of joyful family gatherings, with Christmas holding a special place in her heart. She delighted in carefully selecting meaningful gifts for each grandchild, ensuring every present was thoughtful and personal. Nothing brought her more happiness than seeing their faces light up and being surrounded by the people she loved most.

Beloved wife of Gary P. Lia.

Loving mother of Kristen M. Prescott and her husband, Daryll, of Westport, Robert M. Lia and his wife, Jennifer, Darien, Connecticut, Dayna L. Kane and her husband, Jeffrey, of Medfield, and Ryan V. Lia and his wife, Maura, of Charlestown.

Cherished Nana of Samuel, Nicholas, Victoria, Abigail, Christopher, Matthew, Lucas, Alicia, Lianna, Isabel, Mac, and Josephine.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Vicky's visitation on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Please wear any shade of blue to her services to honor a beautiful woman and her favorite color.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 11th, 2025, at 10:00 am at Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole. Interment will follow at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Vicky's name may be made to the Italian Home for Children at 1125 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 or by visiting https://www.italianhome.org/give/