I'm thinking of Ms. Lorino today as the middle schoolers are getting ready for promotion. I cotaught with Ms. Lorino for my first three years as a teacher. I'm not sure if I ever called her Victoria. The students we had during our first year together are now graduating high school. I recently figured out how to look them up on our computer system, and I was happy to see so many of them are doing so well. I know she would be very happy to know that. I think about her so often-- probably every day here. One of the things I sort of discovered with her is how there is always a factor at home whenever the kids start acting crazy. It's a sign we need to investigate and try to help them. I think about that lesson a lot. We had a lot of the same references to talk about, like movies and music, and I miss talking with her. I remember trying to think of some comedians name in a meeting, and I'm describing that priest comedian and she says, "oh yeah, Father Guido Sarducci," and everyone else looks around like, "what the hell are you guys talking about?" We were a good match. We laughed a lot. Ava and Jack, I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to share that we think about her a lot, and we miss her.  - Tom

Vicky was a spunky, active and sweet girl who welcomed me to my first year at Gardner in 3rd Grade. Our group of girls had so much fun back then, playing hopscotch, foursquare, handball, kickball, etc.. I remember her with fond memories from elementary school. Her smile was beautiful and contagious. I reconnected with her much later in life via FB, so I really missed out in knowing her all those years after elementary school. From what I read in her obituary,  she led a very fulfilling, sucessful and amazing life. So blessed that I knew her as a dear friend back when we were kids. Very sorry and deeply saddened to her of her untimely passing. My sincerest condolences to her loved ones and everyone who knew her. Rest in Peace, dear friend.  Leesa 

We lived next door to Victoria, Pietro, Jack and Ava on Summit Avenue in South Orange. We loved living there beyond words and our next door neighbors were a large part of that feeling. 

I liked Victoria immediately, so obviously smart and so very funny. Her laughter was the background to many summer nights and there are so many wonderful memories.

John, Jake, Brendan, Allie and I were all deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Our condolences to all who loved her, especially Jack and Ava. 

Dear Marlene, Veronica, Jack and Ava,

There are so many lovely memories of my friendship with Vic. She came down with baby Jack and spent the weekend with me and my baby son, Theo, at our place on the Eastern Shore of VA. We had a grand time with the boys on the beach in Cape Charles and we roamed some vegetable and seafood landings from which Vic hung in there with me and my not-so-hot cooking.

I loved her laughing out loud because she found humor in so many things. I remember looking across the table at her after a lovely dinner and seeing a startled expression as we both realized that we might be pregnant again! Another laugh and then Ava and Noah entered the world. Victoria was always a solid friend even when I moved to CA where I was lucky enough to still see her on her west coast visits. I feel so fortunate to have known Victoria. 

My deepest condolences to everyone. ❤️

Dear Marlene, Veronica, Jack, and Ava,

I am so sad for the loss of your daughter, sister, mother. I hope that your happiest memories comfort you whenever you think of her and know she loved you all immensely.

Victoria was my anchor in my early days in the suburbs. I always felt like I was my authentic self with her. She was so smart, and funny, and irreverent, and beautiful and she made every day better. I will never have another friend like her and I will always miss her.

much love and comfort to you,

Susan (Evans Grove)

Vic and I used to play tennis fairly regularly. We jokingly called ourselves the deuce sisters because we would inevitably tie the game. This advantage Lorino, advantage Evans would go on forever but we were both too competitive to throw the game....but we also loved each other so much that we both secretly hoped the other would win. Now she is gone and I have lost the advantage.

I met Victoria freshman year 1983 in the library of our college and we instantly connected. Dated for a minute. We drove across country from LA to Minn. By senior year we shared an apartment off campus (and still were friends afterwards!)  We travelled to Mexico, PR, and Hawaii for vacations. She got married, I got married, had kids... we became family friends. And life takes over somewhat. Through ups and downs, we were connected for 40 years. Our latest visit was this past summer, when we had a picnic in Greenwood cemetery. Anyway, this breaks my heart and My most sincere condolences to Marlane, Veronica, Jack and Ava.

Girls Weekend

Marlane and Veronica,

 I still can’t believe it’s real and think of Victoria so often. She was my high school bestie and though we lost touch in the past decade, I always assumed we would see each other again and grow old sharing stories of multiple Bruce Springsteen concerts and more fun times than I can list.  She was effortlessly cool, so kind, whip smart and someone I admired deeply.  Sending much love to you both, and to Jack and Ava.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Margot

Hard to know what to say because it doesn't seem real. She and I were both Scorpios and I was having a 60th birthday celebration on Nov. 5th for myself in 2022.  I asked that we all learn a simple line dance for my party. The last message I got from Victoria was, "what shall we call it, the Shelley Shimmie?" She was beautiful and kind and calming and she loved her two kids more than anything in this world. It's hard to think of her because it seems like yesterday we were together. I lost my mother and I know how hard it is. I just want Ava and Jack to know that their mother worshipped the ground they walked on. 

Veronica, I am so sorry to learn your sister has died. I remember you talking about Victoria when we worked together, and think of the two of you whenever I catch “Flirting With Disaster” on TV. Thinking of you, Jenifer 

Vic  - Whenever I go pass your house in South Orange (which is constantly), I say a little hello to you. You were the best— so smart, funny, and cool in the non-pretentious sense of the word.  You loved your Bloomfield students and I enjoyed your stories about them (shared by you with pride!) which made this Bloomfield native smile (Go Bengals!).  We lost touch for a few years, and grateful that Jill invited me into our book club  so we had a chance to reconnect over great books and lots of laughs. I was proud to be in your circle and I will never forget you! In your honor, I checked my spelling and grammar twice before posting.  Wishing peace to you and to your loved ones.  xoxoxo Aileen