Obituary
Vicki Smith Anderson, 74, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Vicki was born in Cockeysville, Maryland, to the late William McKinley (Linky) Smith and Betty (Bessie) Malpass. Her memory is survived by her children David Anderson, Christi Hartlove, Leif Anderson, daughter-in-law Kelly Anderson, son-in-law Mike Hartlove, eight grandchildren (Nathan, Billy, Connor, Zack, Summer, Rilee, Neile, and Finn), her sister Eileen Dixon and many, many dear relatives, and friends.
Vicki was raised on a farm that was a part of a professional horse-showing family. This upbringing fostered her love for animals. As a child, she reveled in riding horses with her father, raising various farm animals, and lovingly caring for her younger sister Eileen.
Vicki attended Notre Dame Preparatory School, and then later, Villa Julie College in Maryland. During this time, she met her life-long partner Christian Anderson. Vicki and Chris raised three children, David, Christi, and Leif, on a small farm in Baltimore County. During this time, Vicki instilled her love of animals in the upbringing of her children. Every walk of life was welcomed into their home: cats, dogs, goats, birds, ponies, and so much more. It was not uncommon to see goats inside the house, dogs sleeping in the bathtub, or peacocks on the porch.
In addition to maintaining the Anderson homestead, Vicki supported her children for over half a decade as they competed in state, national, and world-sanctioned BMX events. Many children and young adults affectionately referred to her as “mom.”
During the mid-’90s, Vicki developed Parkinson’s disease. Still, this did not slow her passion for dedicating selfless time for her eight grandchildren for whom she loved and cared for deeply. While the condition continued to take its hold over her body, Vicki worked hard to document every aspect of her battle in hopes that others affected by Parkinson’s disease could benefit from her journey. She even made the selfless decision to offer brain tissue samples at her death for the Johns Hopkins Parkinson Research Center in Baltimore.
Vicki and Chris moved to Eustis, Florida, in 2016. It was here where they both lived out the remainder of their lives as it began, still in love and enjoying every aspect of their natural surroundings.
Despite fighting a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease for 30+ years, Vicki’s life was shortened by Pancreatic cancer and a broken heart from her husband Chris, who died two weeks prior.
They are now together for eternity.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating on both Vicki and Chris to the Parkinson’s Foundation – http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/Vicki_Anderson
There will be a dual service in Baltimore on the weekend of September 17.
Kathleen Ruhl