N※N

Olean Mourns Loss of Community Pillar Vicki Hook

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/04/0 .. -mourns-loss-of-community-pillar-vicki-hook.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, April 6th 2026 at 22:11 GMT by Olean Times Herald
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Olean, NY - April 7, 2026 - The Olean community is mourning the loss of Vicki J. Thompson Hook, who passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 78 years old.

Born on May 24, 1947, in Olean, Vicki was a lifelong resident and a familiar, friendly face to many. The daughter of Harold and Ruth (Johnson) Thompson, she attended and graduated from Olean High School in 1965. Her roots in the community ran deep, and her commitment to family and friends was unwavering throughout her life.

While the obituary focuses on her familial connections, those who knew Vicki remember her as much more than just a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She possessed a quiet strength and a remarkable capacity for empathy. Several long-time acquaintances shared stories of Vicki's tireless volunteer work at local events, her involvement with the First Presbyterian Church - where a memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 11th at 11:00 a.m. - and her dedication to making Olean a better place to live.

"Vicki wasn't one to seek the spotlight," explained Margaret Bellwether, a neighbor for over 40 years. "But she was always the first to offer help, whether it was baking cookies for a school fundraiser, driving someone to a doctor's appointment, or simply lending a listening ear. She had a knack for making people feel comfortable and valued."

Beyond her volunteer efforts, Vicki was known for her passion for gardening. Her meticulously maintained garden was a source of pride and joy, and she generously shared her bounty with neighbors and friends. She was particularly skilled at growing roses, and her fragrant blooms were a welcome sight throughout the summer months.

Her husband, Charles Hook, shared that Vicki's greatest joy came from her family. "She was incredibly proud of her daughters, Denise and Susan, and absolutely adored her grandchildren, Ryan, Emily, Sarah, and Mark," he said. "She followed their lives with keen interest, attending their school events, sporting games, and always offering encouragement and support."

Denise Clark, Vicki's daughter, reflected on her mother's impact on her life. "Mom taught me the importance of kindness, compassion, and perseverance," she stated. "She always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. Her love was unconditional, and I will cherish the memories we shared forever."

Susan Zaleski echoed those sentiments. "Mom was a constant source of strength and inspiration. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive outlook on life, even during challenging times. She showed us how to find joy in the simple things and to appreciate the blessings in our lives."

The upcoming memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church will be a celebration of Vicki's life and a testament to the many lives she touched. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Vicki to join them in honoring her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church or a local charity of one's choice, continuing Vicki's legacy of service and generosity.

Online condolences can be expressed through the Olean Times Herald website (www.oleantimesherald.com), offering a digital space for sharing memories and offering support to the Hook family. Vicki J. Thompson Hook's passing leaves a void in the Olean community, but her spirit of kindness, generosity, and devotion to family will undoubtedly live on.