Obituary: Vicki Golding
Vicki Golding, a dedicated social worker and senior manager in the London Borough of Enfield, passed away at the age of 85. Over her career, she endeavored to improve the lives of children and young people, particularly those experiencing severe challenges.
Born in North London, Vicki was the daughter of Rachel Specterman and Gerald Leapman. After her parents’ divorce, she was adopted by her mother’s second husband, Bertie Tobin, and evacuated to St Nicholas School in Oxfordshire during World War II. She later returned to North London and left school at 16 to train as a secretary.
In 1959, she married Alan Golding, a chartered accountant, and they had two daughters, Jillian and Laura. Vicki started her career with Enfield in 1974 and qualified as a social worker in 1978. She worked diligently, becoming a team manager and later an area manager, eventually retiring in 1997. Post-retirement, she continued her advocacy as a consultant and independent reviewing officer for looked-after children in Enfield until 2012.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Vicki was an avid traveller, cook, reader, and writer. She survived breast cancer and co-authored the book "44½ Choices You Can Make If You Have Cancer." Vicki lived happily with Barry Roddy, a newspaper typesetter, from 1990 until his death in 2000.
Vicki is survived by her daughters, Jillian and Laura, and three granddaughters, Sarah, Rachel, and Abi.