Wear bright colours to remember Vicky

A COLOURFUL ceremony will be held to mark the life of popular Ipswich woman Vicky Baker, her family revealed today.

The throng of mourners expected to pay their final respects to the 26-year-old are being encouraged to turn up to her funeral, on Friday, August 8, in bright clothing - and even pink ties.

Vicky will be laid to rest following a service at Ipswich Crematorium's West Chapel, which begins at 2pm.

Her family, including father Keith, sister Caroline and half-sister Dee, are keen to celebrate the much-loved care worker's life.

Vicky died on Monday after suffering an epileptic fit as she slept at her Park Road home.

Tributes have continued to pour in following her death, with friends lovingly remembering Vicky as a “fabulous person” with a “carefree spirit.”

Meanwhile, a page on the social networking website Facebook has been created in her memory and has been inundated with find memories and messages of support for her family.

And a tribute page to Vicky on The Evening Star website has also attracted many messages.

Polly Baker worked with Vicky at the Ryes school for challenging children and left a message on the Facebook site.

She said: “Being Vicky's friend brought great joy to my life.

“We would moan about the hard times but also find a place where everything had some kind of humour.

“Vicky brought a smile to everyone's lives. For me, I will always see her as my big cuddly bear, the person that made everything seem ok, that made everything brighter, made our lives so much better.

“Not having her in my life leaves a massive void.”

Other Facebook messages include friend Karl Gough who said: “I really can't believe she has left us all. I'm heartbroken.”

Neil Holdcroft told how Vicky had been one of his closest friends.

“Both me and my daughter Chanice loved her very much,” he said. “She will be sadly missed by us both.”

Ruth Rowland said: “I have many fond memories of you, your spirit, and carefree attitude. You taught us how to live life.

“They say people die twice - once in this life and once when they are forgotten. But Vicky, you shall never be forgotten, you will live on in every single one of us.”

Carly Illingworth added: “I will never forget you, how you always had time to talk and how you were always smiling.”

Vicky's family have requested family flowers only at her funeral, but said that mourners can make a donation to charity Epilepsy Action through Michael Smy Funeral Directors at 20 St Matthew's Street, Ipswich, IP1 3EU, telephone 01473 213400.

Pay your own tribute to Vicky Baker - visit the special section at www.eveningstar.co.uk, write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

More tributes from The Evening Star's site:

Vic was a bright, funny, independent and quite amazing girl who became an even more impressive and inspirational woman. A huge loss, but I feel proud to have known her.

Simon Thompson

Vicky was an amazing person who I feel privileged to call my sister.

I'm gutted that such a bright light has gone out in our world and that I'll never see her with her own children which I'm sure she would have had.

Vic, you were a very special girl and I'll miss you.

Dee Owen

Can't believe you have been taken from us, so happy and full of life.

Gary Middleditch

You were always the life and soul of the party and I loved being in your company as you always made me smile !!! You were a good friend and your memory will always live on.

Lisa Murray

You were such a bright, caring and bubbly person, who was always there when people needed you.

Sarah Taylor