Vicktoria Heath Tallmadge (nee Jones) was born on October 16, 1950, to Mary Jane and Vicktor Jones, in Princeton New Jersey. When she was not on adventures with her friends on and around the Millstone River, she was in New York City or Philadelphia modeling for various child and teen fashion magazines and catalogues; the seeds of art, her lifelong love, were planted.Vicktoria graduated from Princeton High School in 1968, and enrolled in Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA in order to sound her artistic depths. Upon receiving her BA in Textiles and Design, she returned to Princeton, working in an art gallery and frame shop. Clotho, the spinner, would soon weave a unique and fitting tapestry for Vicktoria, melding art, education and love. Vicktoria fell in love with Henry "Tad" Hobart Tallmadge V and they married in 1981. Skye Weatherly Tallmadge, Henry’s beautiful nine year old daughter from a previous marriage, was soon joined by her brother Brigham Heath Tallmadge in 1982.In 1985, Vicktoria began what would be a 30+ year career as a teacher in a wonderfully unique school at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton- Crossroads Nursery School. Here, with her teaching partners, whom she loved and cherished as family, she found distinct pleasure in stimulating the creative process in children. She was truly able to combine her loves; developing programs and activities integrating art, science, nature and play. The loving and kind presence she offered to countless Princeton-area families, as their journey of structured education was developing its foundation, was for her, a rewarding and most distinguished vocation. Art covered the canvas of Vicktoria’s life, regardless of the medium with which she chose to practice. Whether a cook, a weaver, a painter, a mother, a partner, a friend or a grandmother, all were more beautiful in her hands. Vicktoria was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 31 years, Henry, and is survived by her daughter Skye, her son-in-law Jacob Rashkind, her son Brigham, her daughter-in-law, Alison (nee Goeke), her grandchildren Nathan and Lily Rashkind, and Mary Eleanor Tallmadge. Most people believed Vicktoria to be shy because of her indefatigable emotional reserve and convivial temperament. Those of us who knew her well, understood her comportment to be an aspect of her depth and strength. She did not hide her flaws, nor did she hide behind her many singularly exceptional traits; her stoic reserve nobly continued as she battled an unexpected illness. The time and memories that were afforded by Victoria’s strength are a gift, and will not be forgotten by all who love her.A celebration of Vicktoria’s life will be held later this spring. Details will be made available to family and friends. Donations in Vicktoria’s name may be made to Crossroads Nursery School and/or your local arts program.
