1977 – 2026

Vanessa Lyn (Avery) Lackey was born in Fresno, California on August 25th, 1977, to Jim and Loralie Avery. Her family moved to Newbury Park, Ca in 1980. Vanessa and her mom moved to Grass Valley, Ca in 1986, when she was 9 years old. They bought a home with acreage and a creek running through it. Vanessa finally got her dream animals- a Golden Retriever “Locksey,” and a horse “Brandy.” She spent many hours with her beloved creatures. One of Vanessa’s favorite people was her grandfather, Fred Meeks. She wrote in a little book called “My Happy Life,” where she described how much she loved him because he made her Root Beer Floats and loved her a lot. Vanessa was happy to have the time with her brother, Carmen. Their relationship became strong and trustworthy. They both helped each other grow. Vanessa’s nurturing side started early, and she shared it over the years with family and friends. She led by example with grace and ease. Respectfully, Mike Quinlin was a special man in Vanessa’s life, who whole heartedly volunteered to watch the kids, helped around the property, and was a source of emotional support. She admired him for the father figure that he was to her.

Vanessa and her mom, Loralie (Avery) Scott, attended Calvary Chapel for many years. She loved helping her mom lead Children’s Worship. Vanessa had a beautiful voice, loved music, and sang harmony effortlessly. She stayed active in the choir throughout Jr. High and High School. She was on the NU Varsity downhill ski team for 2 years. Vanessa graduated from Nevada Union High School in 1995 and then attended Sierra College. She then enrolled at Chico State, which led to her earning her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies. Finally, she achieved her goal of getting her Teaching Credential.

Her passion in teaching was for the young children in kindergarten. She loved having a part in the educational platform and structure. She took part in creating their academic journeys, but more importantly, encouraging their social skills and personal growth. She was a huge advocate for securing additional assistance for the children that needed customized educational paths. She was lovingly recognized as a favorite teacher – a local celebrity of past students of varying ages. One of her proudest recognitions was winning The Union’s Best Of “Best Teacher of Nevada County” multiple times.

Vanessa was a cherished teacher among her colleagues. She helped lead negotiations with her fellow family of coworkers. She built strong connections with the administration of the districts, as well as fighting for the best interests of students and fellow educators. With over a quarter century of dedicated work, she left a lifelong impact on all of those who knew her.

She met Chuck Lackey in 2002, and was instantly drawn to his charismatic, loyal, and playful personality. They grew their young love over the years and purchased their first home on Packard Drive. They got married on November 21, 2005 in Nevada City, under the vibrant fall leaves. The following year, they welcomed their sweet girl, Haven, to the world. In early 2010, they were blessed with another beautiful girl, Marin. As their family grew, they found themselves on a new property where they could start their dream farm and homestead. They created colorful gardens that Vanessa poured her love and energy into.

She nourished flower beds- a space for her favorite pollinators to thrive. Vanessa was the biggest fan of wild tiger lilies, sunflowers, and bee balms. She grew fruit and vegetables, which she generously shared. Their farm included a variety of chickens, turkeys, steers, goats, dogs, and cats. The whole family is heavily involved with the caretaking of the animals and the property. Chuck continues to carry out her dreams and wishes of how she envisioned the land to be. Seeing her silhouette against the sunset at dusk, watering the foliage, is a vision we will all surely remember.

Haven is finishing college and following in her moms footsteps with Teaching and Speech Pathology, hoping to teach in Nevada County. Marin is a dedicated student at NU high school, with large involvement in cheer and dance. Both girls radiate their moms best traits and qualities yet show them individually. They are so much like their mother in different ways. Chuck and Vanessa shared the best years together with their girls, experiencing home, family life and their love for the outdoors. Vanessa radiated lightness, empathy, strength, and compassion. She was known as a gift giver and had the sweetest laugh.

Her beautiful daughters and devoted husband had her on a pedestal, and she will be sorely missed.

Celebration of Life August 29th, at 8:30AM will be held at the North Star House, 12075 Auburn RD Grass Valley, CA 95949. Limited Seating, Bring a blanket/chair. Parking limited, carpool if possible.