Victoria Watrous Willard's Obituary
Victoria Watrous Willard, age 42, of Germantown, TN, passed away on Friday April 5, 2024, surrounded by her family, six months after being diagnosed with cancer. “Tori,” as she was known to family and friends, was born December 5, 1981, to proud parents Vicki Powers Willard and Huntington F. Willard, in Baltimore, MD.
As a child, Tori and her family lived in cities from Canada to California. She was fond of calling this her “C to Shining C” childhood and attributed that to making friends easily and keeping them forever, no matter the distance. Her family eventually moved to Cleveland, OH (another “C”), where Tori attended Laurel School in nearby Shaker Heights from grade 5-12.
A traumatic health event in middle school led to Tori’s firm determination to become a pediatric psychologist. After her own painful experience, her goal was to help children cope with trauma without hurting them. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington University in St. Louis in 2004 and earned her doctoral degree from Duke University in 2011, with her dissertation entitled “Social Functioning in Survivors of Pediatric Cancers.” She also completed a one-year clinical internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH. Following her internship, she was offered a three-year fellowship in the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. She continued her career at St. Jude, as a Research Associate, an Assistant Member, and most recently as an Associate Member of the faculty. Her research was conducted as a member of the Cancer Control and Survivorship Program. James Downing, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude, wrote in his announcement to St. Jude faculty and staff, “she will be remembered for her dedication to patients, her passion for advancing the field of Psychology, and her commitment to mentoring trainees and students across disciplines. She was the Director of Training for the Psychology Department and had a strong reputation for being a supportive mentor and teacher who truly connected with her students, helping them overcome setbacks and celebrating their successes.” A member of at least 10 professional societies around the world, Tori was particularly dedicated to, and held leadership roles in, the Society of Pediatric Psychology, the Children’s Oncology Group, and the International Society of Pediatric Oncology.
Outside of the love and care Tori devoted to her patients (or “little humans” as she fondly referred to them), she had a full and vibrant life outside of work. She would re-charge every summer, visiting her parents at “her lake” in New Hampshire, always with her nose in a book or taking her beloved dog kayaking. In 2021, Tori met the love of her life, Steven C. Campbell, and they were married July 22, 2023 in an intimate gathering of close friends and family. Both passionate dog lovers, they each brought a dog to the marriage, a spunky beagle named Charlotte and a docile dachshund named Lucy. Weekends were spent on long walks at Shelby Farms with both dogs. Tori and Steve also shared a passion for reading, movies, baseball, decorating their new house, and planning trips together.
In addition to her husband, Tori leaves her parents Vicki and Hunt Willard of Durham, NC; her brother Brook Willard and his wife Melissa Harrison of Burbank, CA; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Tori’s family loves her dearly and will miss her to infinity.
Relatives, colleagues, and friends are invited to attend a remembrance gathering on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3 pm at Ridgeway Country Club, 9800 Poplar Avenue, Germantown TN. As Tori would want it, “little humans” are welcome. A private interment will be held at a later date in Durham, NC.
Gifts in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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