Victoria Ann Kessinger, 37, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, passed away on October 24 in Santa Barbara, California.

Victoria was born in Duxbury to Catherine Cullen and John Kessinger on August 30, 1989. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 2008. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado in 2012 and a master’s degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2014.

Victoria founded Great Lakes Therapy Center in Chicago and built a successful practice focused on providing compassionate dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to its patients. The practice was among the first in the country to receive the prestigious DBT-Linehan certification.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when therapy sessions were conducted online, Victoria moved to California and began a new chapter of her life. She first lived in Venice and then settled in Santa Barbara after the LA fires where she formed very close and supportive friendships. Victoria was full of energy and laughter, and she lit up every room with her brilliant blue eyes and loving smile. She loved all animals and was devoted to her beloved dog, Arthur. Victoria was energized by the ocean, the mountains, and anywhere the sun was shining. She was a bright star who touched everyone she met.

Victoria is survived by her parents, Catherine Cullen and John Kessinger of Duxbury; her brother, Stephen Kessinger, and niece, Isabella Kessinger, of Arlington; her grandmother, Claire Kessinger, of Halifax; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who mourn her passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Santa Barbara Foundation: https://sbfoundation.org/.

Memorial visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 9th from 4-8:00 PM at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St (Rt. 106) Kingston. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 10th at 10:00 AM at Holy Family church, Duxbury.

All are welcome to attend a reception luncheon at the Sun Tavern, 500 Congress St. in Duxbury following the funeral mass.