“That’s the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up.” – Walt Disney

Alecia was a true child at heart. She was a “big kid” and loved people. Most know Alecia was a huge Disney fan, with Disney World being her special place. She loved children, was usually the centre of attention and the life of the party. Alecia was always up for an adventure, and everyone had an “Alecia” story. She was a free spirit and enjoyed bringing smiles to the faces of those around her. Thankfully, these memories and stories will continue to be smiles for, and to, all of us, even in her absence.

Alecia Victoria “Pizza Pie” was born on Thursday, December 29, 1983, in Vancouver, B.C., to proud parents Randy Vinkle and Sandra Dunbar. She joined her older sister Sara (1981) and was later joined by her younger brother Kyle (1987). When Alecia was but a young child, their family relocated to Ontario, and settled in Newmarket, before stops in Oshawa and Collingwood. It was here that Alecia began her schooling. As a child, Alecia was known to be a little crazy, just ask Sara and Kyle about some of her antics. Alecia was an avid animal lover from the time she could walk. She used to feed seals off the houseboat they lived on in Vancouver. Now when you hear some of these pet stories, I think you will agree, Alecia took her love of animals to the next level. At one point during the kid’s childhood, the family had 16 dogs at once… yes, you read that right! Eights dogs and eight pups! Through the years, Alecia nurtured and cared for cats, rabbits, birds, lizards, ferrets, turtles, groundhogs, raccoons and even a skunk! Seriously!

There were several more moves during those early years that saw the family call Owen Sound, Hepworth, Wiarton, Tara, and finally Desboro home. Alecia finished her elementary school education at Sullivan Public School before attending Chesley District High School. She graduated as a member of the 2001 class.

Following high school, Alecia moved back to Collingwood where she found work at Blue Mountain Chrysler. She worked in sales for the next several years, building experience. In 2007, Alecia was looking for a little change and moved to Balmy Beach, outside of Owen Sound where she tried her hand in real estate. However, she soon returned to her forte, sales, and took a job with Reliance Plumbing & Heating in Owen Sound. After a few years, Alecia decided to return to selling cars and happily joined the team at Lakeside Chevrolet in Kincardine. She quickly settled in and became a part of their family. Her recent successes resulted in a promotion whereby she became sales manager, a title she held until her untimely passing.

Alecia’s life forever changed in 2013 when she turned her close friendship into so much more with her soulmate and the love of her life Christina Dawn Klein. The two women had been friends in high school but like many of us, went their separate ways following to find their path forward in life. They reconnected at a friend’s wedding in 2007 and became closer than ever before. Their love for one another was undeniable and they started dating in February of 2013. They officially moved in to start their lives together on December 25, 2013, when Christina went over to Alecia’s and never left! Christina later accepted Alecia’s amazing proposal on New Year’s Eve 2014. There was never a dull moment in their lives together. Their home was filled with love, laughter and of course a bunch of pets! The women started off living in Chesley and later moved to Shallow Lake before purchasing their current home in Allenford in 2020.

Alecia loved her downtime, where she enjoyed building with Lego, losing herself in Google videos, and working on a variety of art projects. This was in addition to amassing an impressive collection of Disney stuffed animals and cuddling, and often spoiling, her pets and those around her. She enjoyed traveling and was able to experience the likes of Costa Rica, Cuba, Belize, and parts of the US, just to name a few. And, of course, the times that were the most special in her heart were her visits to Disney World. No matter what was going on in her life, her world, everything would melt away when she entered those gates of imagination and magic.

Back at home, Alecia always had the desire to learn more about things, so she was often exploring these topics by using the internet and books. She was drawn to anything written by Stephen King and had a soft spot for Game of Thrones and any Disney or Pixar movie. Her favourite movie, well that is easy, Beauty and the Beast!

Just like Woody, Alecia’s friends knew “You’ve got a friend in me”. She was always so caring and considerate. She was also the most positive person in the room, and often the centre of attention. Alecia was always up for an adventure, and usually the life of any party!  Alecia was a remarkable human being – she was funny, witty, kind, compassionate, and endlessly supportive. Nurturing relationships with everyone around her, including customers who became friends and colleagues who became family. If you had the pleasure of meeting her, the chances are she left a lasting impression. She had a unique ability to connect with people, putting them at ease with her warm smile and genuine interest in their lives. No matter how busy she was, Alecia would always find time to lend an ear to whoever needed it. Her loss leaves an immense void that will be impossible to fill in our hearts. Though we grieve her passing she will live on through our memories, jokes shared, and her infectious laugh. And so, you can hope that, just like every Disney movie, there is a silver lining to difficult storylines. Even when death visits, there are lessons to be gained.

Alecia walked this earth, leaving memories and footprints and special moments for each person here. Her story has touched you in your own special and unique way, and you will carry that legacy with you for the rest of your days. You will find yourself listening for her voice giving you guidance and encouragement. You will look for her light when your days are dark. You will always have her presence in your heart as you try to live by the example and gifts that Alecia gave to each of you.

In Alecia’s memory, love your family unconditionally, be kind, care for one another, live your best, strong life, do the Disney thing every opportunity you have, look out for animals – no matter the type, and always remember that shining star who blazed through your lives for a brief time.

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together,

There is something you must always remember.

You are braver than you believe,

Stronger than you seem,

And smarter than you think.

But the most important thing is,

Even if we’re apart,

I’ll always be with you.”

Winnie the Pooh

Sadly, Alecia was taken from us tragically on Monday, June 24, 2024, in her 41st year.

Love of her life, Christina Klein. Alecia will be deeply missed by her fur babies Winnie, Hamish, Ruby “Boobie”, Maggie, Herbie, and Little Chicken (Love Birds). Cherished daughter of Sandra Dunbar, and loving sister of Sara and Kyle Dunbar. Alecia will be forever missed by her sister-in-law Carri (Larry) Blue and mother-in-law Pam (George) Miskie. Aunt Alecia will live on in the hearts and stories (especially the Disney ones…) of her nieces, Autumn, Alexis, Lola, Lillie, and Destinee. Alecia will be forever remembered by her many friends, whom she always treated like family. She was predeceased by her father Randy Vinkle and father-in-law Albert Klein.

A celebration of Alecia’s life will be held at the Chesley Community Centre on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 1 – 4 p.m., with words of remembrance at 2 p.m. In true Alecia style, please dress up in your favourite Disney costume or attire, or just come as you are, comfortable, as Alecia would want it!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.