On May 24, 2023, Heaven’s gates opened and welcomed a warrior and an angel – Vicki Donovan – Lyle (10/31/1959-05/24/2023). She was not only a woman of great passion, love, and kindness; but a woman of great strength, bravery and courage as she fought to live on. She dedicated her life to her family and to the Sylvania community.

Vicki was born in Toledo, Ohio on October 31, 1959 to Jim and Betty Rowe. She and her brother Rick were raised with strong family values, their parents focusing on showing up for those that you love. Vicki graduated from Whitmer High School in 1977 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Early Childhood Education – showing her dedication to child development and well-being from a very early age.

Vicki was a businesswoman who cared deeply for her clients and friends, who readily shared advice on how to navigate the sometimes difficult waters of the medical world. She was the matriarch, friend and confidant of the Sylvania Southview Mock Trial team, supporting almost thirty years of students participating from Southview to teams from Georgia and Illinois. While her teams won 8 state titles and a world championship, winning was secondary to her, she would always find time for to go to the students’ other school activities. And why, because to Vicki it was about building a support system, letting them know they are loved, and instilling in the students a belief in themselves and their ability to pursue their dreams.

The mark that she left on the community can be seen in the many ways she dedicated herself to the betterment of Sylvania, in particular the children raised there. Vicki took great pride in her 16 years on the Sylvania School Board, and while she never did anything for accolades, she received awards ranging from “Volunteer of the Year” to “2022 Ohio Mock Trial Coach of the Year.” Her passing from this world will be felt deeply. She will be missed for her smile, love, understanding, compassion, and of course her chocolate chip cookies. Though her 63 years in this world came to a close far too soon, her legacy will live on as her life was a reflection of the glory and joy in life and in God.

Left to carry her legacy forward is her husband of 31 years, Denny Lyle; daughter, Jenelle (Steve) Hoseus; son, Jared Lyle; three amazing grandsons, Everett, Anderson, and Rhys; who were her at the center of her soul; brother, Rick (Beth) Rowe; many other brothers and sisters-in-law whom she loved tremendously; nieces and nephews that were core pieces of her heart; aunts and uncles who mentored her; numerous cousins she spent time with; the hundreds of mock trial students who became family; the soccer community she bonded with; and not to be forgotten, her pup companion, Jasper, who was with her every step of the way, giving her great comfort; He was a true hero and salvation. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Betty (Iffland) Rowe; her grandparents, many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Our entire family wants to thank the community for the outpouring of love and support – even prior to her passing; the kindness will not be forgotten.

In her name the family will establish a scholarship for Sylvania Southview students. Any donation can be made to the Sylvania Schools Foundation c/o Vicki Lyle Scholarship, 4747 N. Holland Sylvania Ave, Sylvania, Ohio 43560, or for those that prefer to the Humane Society or the Sylvania Mock trial program.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home-West Sylvania Chapel, 3655 King Rd. Toledo (419-392-9500). The family will receive friends again at Little Flower Catholic Church on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. when a eulogy will be given followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. then Interment at Toledo Memorial Park.
The service will be live streamed at the church thru Little Flower's website.

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