Carolyn Terjesen Vician passed away on 2/25/2025 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Born in Long Island, New York, on The Fourth of July in 1951, she, as a child, thought the annual fireworks celebrations were for her! “Lyn,” as she became known to her friends and family, was the only daughter of the late Roy Everett Sr. and Carolyn Ann Terjesen (nee Hammett). Raised in Miami, Lyn graduated from Southwest Miami High School in 1969 and went on to make a name for herself as a legal secretary – including for the Air Line Pilots Association in Coral Gables, Florida. It was there that she started receiving random flowers on her desk from what would turn out to be her third husband, Daniel John Vician, a pilot who “stalked” her everywhere (including a girls’ train trip through Canada) until she finally gave in and married him on New Year’s Day, 1992. The third time was most definitely the charm for her, as they enjoyed traveling the world during their 31 years of marriage before his passing in 2023. Lyn will be missed by many people whose lives she touched. She is survived by her brother, David Allen Terjesen of Ocklawaha, Florida; and his children, David Jr. and Shayna. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John Scott Terjesen and Roy Everett Terjesen Jr. She also leaves behind her daughter, Vladia Vician of Strongsville, Ohio, who she and Daniel were excited to adopt from Russia in 1997 because Lyn wanted to be a mother but concurrently wanted to skip the childbirth part! She also is survived by her loving niece, Tanya Ziegler (Robert) of Jacksonville, Florida, who helped provide excellent care for her after the passing of Daniel. Lyn also was lucky to have an extended/blended family and friends’ group who loved her dearly – including from Daniel’s side: Eric Vician (Kristina), Marc Vician, (Shennandoah), Corinne Shepard (Mike), and their combined children, Kali, Aiden, Kendal, Mira, Bryson and Colton. Lifelong friend, Vivi Serena, was by Lyn’s side since childhood.
Lyn lived a free-spirited, humorous, and healthy lifestyle (not withstanding her love of dark chocolate, Nantucket cookies, and hard candy). She loved swimming, working out, and riding bikes (which she made Daniel purchase for one of their first dates). Lyn eventually found a passion for Pilates, becoming a certified instructor. She had Pilates equipment in her homes and often would put visitors through the ringer! Lyn was strong-minded and independent and not afraid to impart her wisdom, regularly sharing thoughts such as “Love Yourself First, Conquer Each Day, Always Be the Better Person and Be Happy.”
Oftentimes, Lyn’s witticism would come along with libations of wine/champagne, charcuterie boards, sunsets, and eventually Friday evening gatherings at her Friday Harbor, Wash home where she and Daniel would cook/grill extravagant meals and invite a rotating group of friends over at 5 p.m. for what they called Friday 5’ ZZZZZs. Frequently during her in-depth conversations, one could expect any number of Lyn’s animals to saunter on by. Beginning with Spanky, an amazing African Grey parrot who would actually “talk” to her during “field trips” around the house and continuing through a long line of Springer Spaniels: Buck, Rudy, Kelly, Darla Sue, Nellie, and Stella; Lyn was like Snow White when it came to loving domesticated animals. Her first dog was a cocker spaniel named Mister, who may or may not have been at her side to possibly attract “misters.” And let’s not forget Sam the cat, who as far as we know never tried to chase the rubber snake that lived on the doorstep at four of Lyn’s homes.
In addition to residing in Miami and in the San Juan Islands, she also spent time in Ohio with the extended Vician family. But it was France that held a special spot in her heart (it was often her password or answer to a security question). She and Daniel had a timeshare there that they would frequent (did someone say wine?) The couple also traveled to places like Russia, Greece, the land Down Under, and Bali, Indonesia for their honeymoon (hence the many plush monkeys you would find hanging around her various homes.) In 1995, Lyn insisted that the couple bring Eric on a 16-day European adventure to Paris/Rome/Venice/Amsterdam after he graduated from college (much to the chagrin of Daniel, who was looking forward to a romantic getaway. Turns out they still enjoyed a memorable vacation for many reasons, some not appropriate to mention here. But yes, wine!)
Lyn enjoyed walks with her husband, golfing, ski trips, and being first in line the day after Christmas to get the 50% off deals that she would subsequently store for the next 333 days. There will be no public services due to her wishes to be cremated and co-mingled with Daniel’s ashes.
In lieu of what most people do after a loved one passes, please pass on her spunky, funky love. Play music from the 1970s – mostly classic rock (loudly). Skip the cheeseburger and eat a meal that takes three hours to prep and includes hard to find ingredients – especially spice. Don’t forget the spice! Exercise. Host a dinner and tell copious amounts of stories as you wax poetically into the night. Smile and laugh. If you are a parent, reach out to your children as soon as you read this and tell them something special and loving about them.
Lyn is driving her favorite SAAB (barefoot) in heaven. She’s on the road to her husband and their pets but will never leave any of our hearts.
