Vicki Lynn McCaulley

August 21, 1954 – April 18, 2026

Madison, Wisconsin

Vicki McCaulley, 71, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on April 18, 2026.

She was born to Lois A. Drives and Phillip C. Roellchen and was raised by Lois and her stepfather, Clayton O. Sherman. Vicki began her life in a way that perfectly foreshadowed the spirit she would carry forever—arriving in the back of a car at Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago, quite literally born into adventure.

Growing up in the Madison area, Vicki was the oldest of five sisters, a role she embraced with both strength and tenderness. More than just a sibling, she was a steady and nurturing presence—part big sister, part second mother. In her teenage years, she found joy in caring for and showing her beloved Bay Quarter horse, Mia, in local competitions.

Vicki graduated from Madison West High School in 1972 and pursued her passion for caring for others by entering the nursing field. She earned her LPN through Madison Area Technical College and later married Jim McCaulley. Together, they shared 34 years of marriage while raising their family. Never one to stop growing, Vicki continued her education while balancing work and motherhood, attending night classes at Southwest Technical College, where she earned her RN degree and was awarded to serve as the Ambassador of the College for the 1993-94 year.

Her nursing career spanned more than 40 years and reflected both her compassion and versatility. She worked in a variety of specialties, including pediatrics, home health, and medical-surgical care. She spent the majority of her career at Bloomfield Manor Assisted Living in Dodgeville and concluded her professional journey at UW Health's Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Clinic in Madison.

In her early adult years, Vicki and her family moved to a farm in Hollandale, Wisconsin, where she balanced the demanding roles of farming, nursing, and raising three young children. Later settling in Dodgeville, she continued to center her life around her family. She was their biggest supporter and, in many ways, a second mom to countless friends. Her home was always open—filled with warmth, a smile, and the comforting aroma of something homemade.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Vicki, it was how she expressed love through acts of service. Baking was her signature language of care. From elaborate wedding cakes to birthday treats and simple surprises, she found joy in creating something special for others.

Whether cheering at sporting events, applauding performances, or preparing homemade meals and baked treats, Vicki showed up fully and wholeheartedly for her children—a love that extended deeply into the lives of her grandchildren.

In her later years, she spent summers at her “happy place,” her camper in Spring Green, Wisconsin. She traveled thousands of miles—including across oceans—to be present for her family. Whether at hockey rinks, baseball fields, auditoriums, or gathered in the kitchen sharing meals, she was always there. Some of the most treasured moments were the simplest—impromptu road trips, picking black caps at the family farm, and quiet times that always ended with one of her warm hugs.

Her retirement years were also filled with travel and exploration, from visits to U.S. national parks to the castles of Europe and the waters of the Caribbean, often shared with friends and family fortunate enough to join her.

Vicki will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her creativity, her adventurous spirit, and her deep belief in caring for others.

She was preceded in death by her father, Phillip Roellchen; her mother, Lois (Drives) Sherman; her stepfather, Clayton Sherman; and her infant sister, Kristi Sherman.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Meggan (Matthew) Allen of Dodgeville, Wisconsin; Jennifer (Kristopher) Cornelius of McFarland, Wisconsin; and Clayton (Betsy) McCaulley of Baraboo, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jared (Abbi) Cornelius, Josh Cornelius, Makayla Cornelius, Jamison Allen, Mallory Allen, John McCaulley, David McCaulley, and Joe McCaulley; her siblings: Sherri (Brian) Thur, Kari (Andrew) Attar, and Lauri (Gary) Mill; and many extended family members.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and friends at Oakwood Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Madison, Wisconsin, for their tender care and support during Vicki’s final year and a half.

A celebration of life will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, on May 14, 2026. Guests are welcome to arrive and visit with family and friends starting at 4:00 p.m., followed by a service and memory sharing from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Appetizers and—of course—baked goods will be served.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Vicki McCaulley may be made to Dodgeville High School Performing Arts (912 W. Chapel St., Dodgeville, WI 53533).

She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and countless lives made better simply because she was in them.