Victoria Ann Doran

Victoria (Vickie) Ann Doran  

Vickie Doran passed away at home in Islamorada on December 13 from complications of a stroke.  She was born in Miami on January 24, 1947, and grew up in Davie, Florida.  Vickie attended Stranahan High School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1971 from Florida State University.  “Miss Vickie” as her students called her, began her teaching career in 1972 at Key Largo Elementary School in Key Largo, Florida.  Vickie took a sabbatical from her teaching job to study for a degree in Library Science and Media Specialist at the University of Florida.   Vickie returned to Key Largo Elementary School as its first school librarian.   

After marrying her husband Jim, Vickie began a career in International Education in 1978 when they accepted positions at the American School of Tunis in Tunisia, North Africa.  That first adventure was the beginning of a lifelong career in International School education as both an elementary teacher and as a school librarian.   

Vickie and her husband worked at schools in Tunis (Tunisia), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) (where her son Jeff was born), Manila (The Philippines), Tokyo (Japan), Singapore, Panama, and Surrey (England).  When Jim returned to the U.S. to pursue his Doctorate in Education at the University of Central Florida, Vickie worked as the Library and Media Specialist for Thacker Elementary School in Kissimmee.  After Jim received his doctorate, they accepted positions in Southern England where Vickie was the librarian at two international schools in Surrey.   

Vickie spent almost 40 years abroad in international education.  Her many colleagues, students, parents, and library patrons from across the globe hold Vickie in the highest regard for her kindness, knowledge, helpfulness, and organizational skills. Vickie and Jim retired in 2017 and moved back to their home in Islamorada to care for Jim’s aging mother and have since spent many hours diving, fishing, and boating in the Florida Keys.   

Vickie also loved the ocean and its marine life.  Her family vacationed in the Keys every summer when she was young.  She was an excellent diver and avid shell collector.  Vickie and Jim dived in many locations across the globe including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, the Pacific, and around the Caribbean.   

As a member of the Upper Keys chapter of the Sigma Omega sorority, Vickie volunteered her time to raise funds for deserving graduates of Coral Shores High School.   

After learning of her affliction hundreds of students, parents and colleagues sent heartwarming messages as she fought to recover her health.  Tragically, Vickie lost her fight on December 13, 2023 and is now with her family in heaven.   

Vickie was a warm, kind, and happy person who always had a smile on her face and love in her heart.  She was married to her best friend and soulmate for 45 years.  Vickie will always hold a special place in the hearts of her husband, her son Jeff, daughter-in-law Kate, stepdaughter Jill, granddaughter Ada, and all those who were privileged to know her.  The world has lost a special lady while heaven has gained a beautiful soul.   

Vickie is survived by her husband, James A. (Jim) Doran, her son Jeffrey (Jeff) Doran, stepdaughter Mary Jill Doran Manget, and granddaughter Ada Braxtan.   

Those who are predeceased are Amelia Stufko Refro (mother), George Renfro (father), Virginia Ellis (sister), and Nancy Renfro (sister). 

Vickie has asked that her ashes be scattered near Davis Reef off Islamorada, Florida.  Her Celebration of Life will be held at Founders Park Beach, on January 27, 2023 at 8:30 AM.  After the celebration, weather permitting, boats will depart from the Founder’s Park Marina for Davis Reef.