Vickie Diane Leyko, 62, of Waveland, Mississippi, peacefully passed away on August 31, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi, surrounded by the love, prayers, music, laughter, and voices of those who loved her most.

Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Vickie was a proud graduate of Baker High School, Class of 1981. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Lakewood, California, beginning a life filled with adventure, creativity, friendships, and unforgettable experiences. Throughout her life, Vickie lived in Georgia, California, and Mississippi, leaving a little piece of herself and her vibrant personality everywhere she went.

Vickie was truly one of a kind. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, comfortable, and as though they had known her forever. Her personality could fill a room, her laughter was contagious, and life was never dull when Vickie was around. She had a special gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. As her dear friend Sue so perfectly said, “Everything with her has always been live and unscripted.”

Art was Vickie’s greatest love and one of the most beautiful expressions of who she was. She was an incredible artist with a remarkable eye for beauty. Throughout her life, she enjoyed sketching, drawing, and painting, sharing her creativity and unique perspective with the world around her. She had a special love for the music of Blondie, whose songs brought her joy throughout the years. With her beautiful blonde hair, it seemed only fitting that she was affectionately called "Blondie" herself by many who knew and loved her. The nickname became a special part of her- a reflection of both her personality and her love for the iconic music that meant so much to her. She also dabbled in poetry, finding meaning and expression through words as well as art. Every single get together with family and friends Vickie brought a whole new level to the term ‘gathering’. She would often get people to follow her lead with making homemade videos and lip sync to her idol and musician Deborah Harry (Blondie). Her amazing gifts of humor and art came naturally. She found them and we were blessed to receive them. Her legacy will live on through all whose lives she touched and those she made laugh so hard.  Vickie worked at different times as a massage therapist and a truck driver, demonstrating the many talents, interests, and adventures that made her life uniquely her own.

Vickie was preceded in death by her mother, Jacqueline Blasini; her father, Robert Leyko; her sister, Patricia Leyko; her niece, Megan Monterastelli; her brother-in-law, Robert Edwards; and her grandparents, Rosie Mae Black and William Black.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Hailey Earl of Waveland, Mississippi; her stepfather, Manuel Blasini of Kingsbury, Texas; her siblings, Gail (Tom) Devaere of Long Beach, California; Katherine Edwards of Eureka, California; Steve Koenke of Columbus, Georgia; Marie (Mike) Valdes of Kingsbury, Texas; Luis Blasini of San Diego, California; and Jeff (Kenda) of Cadillac, Michigan.

She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, including Candace Sparks of Austin, Texas; Eric Hayes of San Antonio, Texas and his children; Cassandra (Aaron) of Long Beach, California and their children; Charissa Powers of Long Beach, California and their children; Ashley Devaere of Long Beach, California; Michael Abrian of Florida; Adam (Venissa) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and their child; Aubrey (Ben) Edwards of New Zealand; Angela Meyers of Austin, Texas; Stephen Holder of Denver, Colorado; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews; She shared an especially close bond with her cousin, Tammy Colman, who was far more that a cousin-she was like a sister. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, shared memories, and a friendship that only grew stronger through the years. Tammy held a very special place in her heart, and the bond they shared was truly one of a kind.

Vickie also leaves behind a multitude of cherished friends who became family to her, especially Helen Valentin, Sue DeMay, and Shirley Filingane. Helen was more than a friend to Vickie—she was like a sister. The bonds Vickie created throughout her life were a testament to her open heart and her extraordinary ability to bring people together.

It is difficult to put into words everything Vickie was and everything she meant to so many people. Though she is no longer physically with us, her presence will continue to be felt in the laughter she inspired, the stories that will be shared, the art she created, the music that brings back memories, and the love she so freely gave.

In her final moments, her family reminded her that she could go in peace—that her mother, Megan, Ed, and so many other loved ones were waiting to welcome her home. At 11:33 a.m. on August 31, 2026, Vickie peacefully took her final breath while “Gonna Be Alright” played nearby.

Vickie’s life may have ended, but the love she gave and the memories she created will remain forever. She was fun, entertaining, creative, bold, loving, and unforgettable. She brought her own special light into every gathering and left behind stories that will continue to bring smiles and laughter for years to come.

She may be gone from our sight, but she will never be gone from our hearts.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Boles, nurses Shanaya, Victoria, Stephan, and Ashley, and all the caregivers who cared for Vickie during her final days. Your compassion, kindness, and dedication brought comfort to Vickie and peace to her family during an incredibly difficult time. Your gentle care will always be remembered with gratitude.

In honor of Vickie’s memory, the family invites those who wish to make a memorial contribution to the American Liver Foundation, supporting education, research, advocacy, and families affected by liver disease.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever unforgettable.

Riemann Family Funeral Homes, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Leyko family.