WINTER HAVEN, FL - Vicki Westrich of Winter Haven passed away Monday, Nov.9, 2009. She was 55. 

Born Dec. 27, 1953, she was a lifelong Polk County resident. Vicki was a passionate educator who served more than 30 years in the Polk County school system, first as a teacher and then as an administrator. At the time of her retirement, she was Principal of Dixieland Elementary School in Lakeland. Vicki was a 1971 Winter Haven High School graduate and received her Master's Degree from USF.

Vicki is survived by her daughter: Holly (Sean) Sidwell of Auburndale; her son: Bryan Westrich of Winter Haven; her parents: Holland & June Carter of Winter Haven; her sister: Jan (David) Cassidy of Lake Alfred, and her  grandchildren  Jacob Hughes & Morgan Westrich. Vicki is also survived by a niece & nephew: Amy & Aaron, and several aunts, uncles & cousins.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday at 2:00 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. A reception will follow the service. In honor of Vicki’s dedication to the Dixieland school and community, a memorial fund has been created.

Donations to the fund can be sent to the school at 416 Ariana Street, Lakeland, FL 33803. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.