13 December 1951 – 13 May 2026
13 December 1951 – 13 May 2026
In Loving Memory of Vicky Eileen Sime (née Sword)
1951 – 2026
Vicky Eileen Sime passed away peacefully on Wednesday 13 May, at Mary Potter Hospice in Newtown after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Vicky was the beloved wife and lifelong companion of Neil. Together, they built a life centered on family, social justice and compassion towards others. As a mother to her seven children, Sharon, Nadine, Brad, Dayna, Steign, Kylarnie and Bradique, her loss will be felt greatly. She will also be greatly missed by her sons-in-law, Richard and Rabin, daughter-in-law Delphine and son’s partner Sheri who she welcomed into the family with open arms.
It was her role as Nana and Nanny that brought her the greatest joy. Her legacy lives on through the laughter and memories of her sixteen grandchildren: Montaya, Bradley, Ashley, Nikora, Oli, Daniel, Jen, Colton, Isaiah, Alyssa, Brianna, Eli, Niklaus, Saraiah, Kiara, and Bear. To each of them, she was a source of endless snacks, stories, and the kind of unconditional love that only a nana can provide.
Vicky’s life’s journey was defined by the deep roots she planted and the expansive family tree that flourished under her care. Vicky was a dedicated teacher who provided invaluable guidance to multiple generations of young people. She had a particular passion for supporting gifted and neurodivergent children.
Vicky’s presence was a gift to all who knew her. While she has left our sight, she will never leave our hearts and minds.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the incredible staff at Mary Potter Hospice. Their compassionate care provided Vicky with comfort and dignity in her final weeks, and for that, they are eternally grateful.
The family wants to thank everyone who shared stories and messages during Vicky’s illness. They invite you to continue to share your favourite memories, photos, or messages of support on Vicky’s tribute page below. These stories will serve as a lasting comfort to Neil and the family in the days and weeks to come.
Memorial Details
In accordance with Vicky’s wishes, she will be cremated privately.
The family invites everyone who knew Vicky to a memorial service to celebrate her life. The memorial will be held at Bellevue School Hall, 12 Bancroft Terrace, Newlands on Saturday 23 May at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Mary Potter Hospice.
To honour Vicky’s spirit and wishes, the family encourages attendees to wear something colourful to reflect the brightness she brought into the world.

Like many others, Vicky had an enormous impact on me as a teacher. We worked together for many years in the VTS at Rāroa - I came there after a rocky start teaching and she supported me amazingly and built up my confidence. She taught me so much about considering each child as a precious individual and helping them develop into their best selves and at the same time teaching for social justice and to make the world a better place. She excelled with the kids who needed extra support as well as the gifted kids and I still use so many of the strategies she modeled, including her encouragement to girls to take up space and be assertive “strong, stroppy girls” - a phrase she used often. I knew I’d made it when she asked me if I would have her son in my class! What an honour that was - Bradique was such a fabulous kid. I’m so sad not to be able to attend the memorial service today, but I’m currently in Melbourne for my 15 year old’s birthday trip - Vicky would have been furious if I cancelled that for her! Her family was her everything and I know she’d want me to prioritise family, just like she always did. Much love to you all as you navigate this tricky time. Moe mai rā, e Vicky.
Where to start, what a amazing lady. There was always a buzz around when Vicky was in for the day at school. (Bellevue primary school) She was a fantastic teacher and would also come and say Hi if she saw you out and about. I saw her once in the Tawa chipmunks and she was having a great time on the bouncy castle with one of her grandbabies. Lots of love to your family Vicky. Rest in peace
One day my brother Jack asked Vicky how old she was, She said " as old as the dinosaurs" I went to Bellevue school and loved having Vicky as teacher, and all the cool science things she would teach us. She would always give me an extra lolly at the end of school to give to my brother. Rest in peace Vicky, you will be missed
My deepest condolences to Vicky’s family, I knew Vicky as a girl growing up in Masterton and staying with my friend Karen who lived next door, I remember the family well. May your wonderful memories carry you through at this very sad stage RIP Vicky
My son was lucky enough to have Vicky as his teacher many times at his years at Bellevue. He has many fond memories of her. The one that stands out was doing passion projects...I'm not sure this would have been a highlight for Vicky though 🤣. I'll miss her words of wisdom and the great conversations we had. Rest in love Vicky x
Dear Vicky, We were deeply saddened to hear about your passing. You were more than just a teacher — you were a guiding light, a source of wisdom, and someone who truly cared about your students. The lessons you taught will stay with us forever, not only in the classroom but in life. Thank you for your kindness, patience, and dedication. You will always be remembered and greatly missed.
Vicky was my teacher in 1999 and 2000 at Rāroa. Her influence on me has been incredibly far-reaching and I was so sad to hear of her passing. She made what could have been a really difficult two years full of learning, fun and confidence building. I admired her deeply, both as a teacher and a human who lived her values, and she is the sort of teacher I aspire to be: fair, kind, and someone who really saw all her students, found the strengths in them and made them feel special. She saw strengths in me that no one else had seen up til then, and I will always be grateful to her for that.
I am very sorry to hear about Vicky’s passing. What a beautiful person she was. Vicky spent a lot of time with my son James in preparation for mathswell when he was competing with Greenacres School - she had such patience and lovely way of encouraging the kids. My thoughts are with Vicky’s family during this sad time
Sincere condolences to a strong kind loving wahine from me and Chester. Much love to all.
To my darling Aunty Vick. Thank you for all your guidance and love. You will be missed by us all. You were loved by so many. Thank you for being our protector. Love Nae nae xo
To my darling Nana. I will miss your bubbly smile, how you can't tolerate sourness, how you absolutely hate Fin's slobber AKA bananas -that's what you call it, and your ongoing walks.💕🙏 Love BB
My deepest condolences to all of Vickys family and extended family. It has been a tough few weeks for you all, and, as I was able to spend some precious times with Vicky, with us being lifelong friends, I thank-you. Memories are the loveliest things, the last from day to day, they can't get lost, they don't wear out and can't be given away.
I loved looking at your Facebook posts. Passionate about many things, politics, whanau and your love for your family you will be sadly missed Vicky
Neil and family my deepest sympithy.zi reall Vicky was certainly pashonate about things she took remembering Vicky from womens refuge days..Family and friends will miss you.zbut you will always live there hearts


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