Vicky Hedrick

Vicky was born on May 2, 1959, in Urania, LA, to John and Faye Manchester. She grew up in Jena, LA, before moving to Gretna at the age of 10. In 1977, she graduated from John Ehret High School and went on to attend UNO. After UNO, Vicky attended the Charity School of Nursing and earned her RN degree. Vicky was forever dedicated to her education, she was at the top of her class, and even after graduating, she always stayed up to date on the newest practices in medicine, so she was able to best serve her patients.

It was during her time at UNO that Vicky met her husband, Tommy. She caught his attention between classes. Tommy wasn’t the type to approach a woman he didn’t know to ask for a date, but Vicky had such an inviting smile and personality that it was easy for him to start talking to her. In 1982 they were joined in marriage at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette, LA, and Chalmette is where they made their home. They both were active members of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, and everyone knew they could count on them to volunteer when needed.

Nursing was Vicky’s passion; she loved to be able to take care of people. Throughout her life, she worked at the Chalmette Medical Center, Lakeland Hospital, Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, and most recently, LUBA Workers’ Comp. She cared for patients in many different areas of medicine including the burn unit, orthopedics, surgery, hyperbaric, wound care, rehabilitation, and as a floor nurse. Nursing was a true calling for Vicky. From a young age, she knew she loved to help and care for others. Whether it be a stray animal that needed to be taken in and nursed back to health, or a patient at work, Vicky was always ready to step in and do everything she could to help.

Vicky was a wonderful life partner for Tommy, and she was her daughter, Alexandra’s, best friend. Sixties and seventies rock music was Vicky’s favorite, and she and Tommy would attend several concerts a year. Alexandra and Vicky were traveling buddies and took many trips together; they especially enjoyed going to Disney and Comic-Cons. Recently, Vicky was able to go on her dream trip to Ireland and was so happy to be able to share that experience with her husband. When Alexandra began college, Vicky soon after got a Pomeranian, Gandalf, to keep her company. He became a beloved part of Vicky’s family. When she would travel with Tommy or Alexandra, the other would be put in charge of caring for him.

Gardening and caring for plants also brought Vicky joy, and she would often sit at her desk in her bedroom where she could look out and watch the squirrels and birds and see her garden. Due to Vicky’s friendly and loving personality, she was always talking to people everywhere she went, even if it was just a quick trip to the grocery store. She accepted everyone for who they were, loved to share her experiences when she thought they could help others, and tried to encourage everyone to meet their goals. People could sense she was someone they could approach and share their life story with, and since Vicky was a talker, she was always eager to share hers in return.

Most of all, Vicky adored her family and tried to spend as much time with them as possible. Luckily, she had many family members who lived close to her, and she managed to often see the family members who were further away as well. She never missed a family reunion or an important family event. Vicky made sure every holiday was celebrated; in her mind, smaller holidays like Mother’s Day and Fourth of July were just as important as Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was glad to have any reason to gather her family around her.

Vicky passed away on January 31, 2023, at Ochsner hospital after nearly 45 years together with Tommy. Her family would like to thank all of the Ochsner Main Campus CICU nurses and doctors for their dedicated care and compassion.

Vicky was preceded in death by her parents, John and Faye Manchester; and brother, Timothy Manchester. She is survived by her husband, Tommy Hedrick; daughter, Alexandra (Cody) Arceneaux; brother, Landis (Lynn) Manchester; sister-in-law, Tammy Lyons; nieces and nephews, Amy (Darren), Landis Jr. (Julie), Shannon (Eric), Sara (Bryan), Codi (Cody); and 9 great nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a memorial mass to follow beginning at 11 AM, 15615 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70817.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Hospital or Baton Rouge Food Bank.