Victoria Elaine Schaefer, age 32 of Fort Wayne, IN was called home to God in the early morning hours on Sunday, November 12, 2023, when she and her husband Evan Daniel Cox were hit head on by a suspected drunk driver. Victoria (Tori to her family, Vickey to her friends and Aunt Vick's to so many) was born on August 16, 1991, to Angela M. Schaefer (Gee) and Scott E. Schaefer, Sr. She grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida but as a young adult moved to Fort Wayne IN where she met her soul mate and true other half, Evan Daniel Cox.
The two were married on November 3, 2022. It is impossible to describe one of them without mentioning the other. Their union as husband and wife was a pure act of God because He knew like only, He does that they would complete each other. Theirs was an epic love story where they became best friends first and then fell madly in love (although we all suspect it happened sooner than they let on). What one needed, the other possessed. They had a way of knowing instinctively what the other needed in any given moment and their love was so sweet and precious to watch. Victoria and Evan's families take comfort in the fact that they will forever be together, as one could not have survived without the other.
Victoria had a heart for ministry and one of the most beautiful smiles you will ever see. Her laughter was infectious, and you could not be in a bad mood around her. She would immediately hone in on your mood and with empathy and love would talk you through whatever you were dealing with. Then she would act as goofy as necessary to bring your spirits up. You always left her presence knowing you were seen and truly loved.
Victoria had a special relationship with so many but none more than she had with her brother, Scott "Scotty" E. Schaefer, Jr. "Victoria" or "Toe" as her brother called her was her brother's biggest cheerleader. She was fiercely protective of him and as they grew up, they developed such a close relationship. It was pure joy to watch the two of them jab at each other with their quick wit and sarcastic humor. They always had everyone around them in stitches when they were together.
Victoria was one of a kind and to try to name every person that she had a special relationship would take days. She touched so many but the relationship between her and her father was beautiful. She needed him and he needed her. When she would hug him, the hug would last forever. She was a true "Daddy's girl". The strong bond between them was such a blessing to behold.
Victoria and her mother were like mirror images of one another. They look alike and have so many of the same mannerisms. Although their actual personalities were polar opposites. Despite this, they were not only mother and daughter but great friends. The relationship with her daughter was one of her mother's greatest joys.
Victoria had a huge family that she adored and that adored her. So many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends that were considered family. The amazing thing about her was that she had a way of making everyone feel they were her favorite and each one was in their own special way. There is no way to name those that meant so much to her or that loved her because the list would fill a book. Just know that Victoria loved each of you with her whole heart and will continue to look over you from Heaven.
The families of Victoria and Evan implore you to think before getting behind the wheel of a car if you are under any kind of influence that impairs your ability to drive. We would also remind everyone that it is suspected that alcohol may have been a contributing factor but that has not been proven. If it is eventually proven that the wrong way driver was indeed under the influence, Victoria's family asks that you find a way not to hate this individual. It is okay to be angry and completely understandable, but Victoria and Evan would be the first ones to tell you to show God's grace and love, as hard as that is. Victoria's family is navigating this part and are all at different places with that walk, but they know eventually God along with Victoria and Evan will give them the strength to forgive.
Victoria was proceeded in death by her "Poppi", Robert L. Gee, her Grandpa Edward A. Schaefer, her uncles, Kenneth D. Gee, II, Glenn H. Gee, Charles Gee, and Alan F. Lampert. Victoria is survived by her parents, Scott E. Schaefer, Sr. and Angela M. Schaefer (Gee) of Wimauma, FL, her brother, Scotty (Scotty) E. Schaefer, Jr. of Wimauma, Fl; her parents-in-law, Dobie and Brenda Cox of Anderson, IN; sister-in-law, Shelby Cox; brother-in- law, Eric Cox; her "Mimi", Barbara A. Gee of Charlotte, NC; her "Nany", Carol F. Schaefer of St. Petersburg, FL; grandmother-in-laws, Frances Boyer and Betty Cox; her uncles, Raymond M. Gee of Miami, Fl, Robert C. Gee of Charlotte, NC, Robert E. Schaefer of St. Petersburg, FL, James A. Lampert of Long Island, NY and John and Coleen Gee of Jacksonville, FL; aunts, Patricia A. Gee of Del City, OK, Carol Gee of Easley, SC, Glenda Gee of Houston, TX, Stacey Gee of Edmond OK, Joann Younger of Edmond, OK, Susana Gee Vega of Charlotte, NC and Nicole Jackson of St. Petersburg, FL, her honorary aunt and uncle, Misty and Shawn Johnson of Weatherford, TX; cousins, Richard M. and Chelsea Gee of Charlotte, NC, John P. Gee of Puebla MX, Sarah Gee of Charlotte, NC, Alexandria Gee of St. Petersburg, FL, Thomas and Mary Lampert of New Jersey, Kristopher Lampert of New York, Andrew and Jaime Lauricella of St. Petersburg, FL, Christopher and Stephanie Lauricella of St. Petersburg, FL, Anthony Lauricella of New York, Jamie and John Carlo of New York, honorary cousins, Meghan and Landon Johnson; and many second and third cousins that she loved so much but are too numerous to name here.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony for both Evan and Victoria will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at First Assembly of God, 1400 W. Washington Center Rd., with calling two hours prior beginning at 12:00 pm. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com