Vicky Westra

Vicky Westra, 51, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at home under the care of family and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Vicky was born in Moorhead on July 16, 1967, to Willard and Mary Ann (Brainerd) Held. She grew up and attended school in Moorhead before continuing her education at Concordia College. After graduating from Concordia in 1989, she pursued a master’s + specialist degree in School Psychology from Minnesota State University Moorhead where she received her degree in 1996.

On July 12, 1997, Vicky married Rick Westra. Together they made their home in Twin Falls, Idaho and started a family. Both of their boys Nolan and Colton were born in Twin Falls. Family was very important and it was decided to return home to Moorhead in 2003 so they could be surrounded by family and friends. Vicky loved being active in the community and watching her sons over the years in Hockey and Golf. The Spuds and Cobbers were always big on her list to watch and follow throughout the seasons. An accomplished writer Vicky began writing her blog thewestraworld which captured her family and thoughts on life.

In March of 2011 Vicky was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. Over the past 7+ years she persevered through ups and downs of constant treatments under the amazing care of the Roger Maris Cancer Center and the numerous Sanford support doctors.  Through these years she related all the experiences for her and her family living the cancer journey on her blog. Vicky’s values of faith, hope, grace and joy became her focus. Living in the moment she has been given instead of trying to extend them. Through her local community of friends and family plus her blog an incredible gathering of people from all over the world surrounded her with love, prayers and support helping along the journey.

Vicky has been involved with several organizations including cancer support groups such as Fourward, Roger Maris Mentor Program and FM Breast Friends Cancer Group. She especially enjoyed talking with others going through similar experiences, supporting each other and sharing her thoughts at conferences.

Vicky is survived by her husband, Rick; her sons, Nolan and Colton; her brother, Lee (Kelly) Held of Hershey, PA; and father-in-law, James Westra of Moorhead, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Mary Ann Held; and her mother-in-law, Carole Westra.

Visitation will be Monday, October 22, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral will be Tuesday, October 23, at 11:00 a.m., at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.