Victoria "Vicki" G. Lerch - Obituary

ictoria “Vicki” Gaynor Lerch, age 80, of Lothian, Maryland, passed away peacefully after facing a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with grace, strength, and quiet courage, surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 24, 1945, in New London, Connecticut, Vicki was the beloved daughter of Joseph “Joe” and Mary Gaynor and the older sister of Jim Gaynor. Vicki obtained her degree in nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. It was there that she met her husband of almost 60 years, J.J. Bernard “Bernie” Lerch III, on a blind date—a connection that blossomed into a lifelong partnership marked by love, faith, and community. Vicki and Bernie built their life in Lothian, where they raised two children, John J.B. “JJ” Lerch, IV of Elizabethtown, PA and Theresa Lerch Nahajzer of Sherman Oaks, CA. Vicki’s creativity and passions were ever-present: she had a deep love for music, sewing, baking, and history. These talents found expression in her work as a volunteer and later curator, at Historic London Town and Gardens, where she designed and created authentic colonial costumes and shared her historical knowledge as both a docent and docent coordinator. A devoted member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Vicki served as the adult choir director for decades. She lived a life grounded in faith and filled with music. Vicki also supported Bernie’s service with the Ruritan Club, attending conferences by his side and contributing countless volunteer hours, including baking countless pounds of gingerbread for the Lothian Chapter’s fundraisers over the years. She spoiled her family with her cooking and her Christmas cookies became a cherished holiday tradition, lovingly shared with friends and family each year. She is survived by her loving husband, Bernard, her children JJ (Jen) and Theresa (John), and her grandchildren: Abbie and Jacob Lerch, and Julian and Luka Nahajzer. Vicki will be remembered for her warmth, her song, the strength of her faith and the way she showed love through the things she made, taught, and shared. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, 122 Bayard Road, Lothian, MD, 20711. The family will receive visitors from 10am until 10:45am, with the service beginning at 11am. A luncheon will follow in the church social hall, all are welcome to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 1201 15th Street N.W., Suite 410 Washington, D.C. 20005. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on the left.