M Vicky East

On Friday April 1, 2022 M. Vicky East of Lake Forest Park, Washington passed peacefully in the embrace of family and friends after a courageous battle with serious respiratory illness. She was born on March 19, 1945 in Arlington, Virginia, the daughter of Charles Donald East and Catherine Shipe East. Her only sibling Betsy arrived seven years later. After their parents divorced when Vicky was age 10, Vicky and Betsy remained with their mother who was the closer parent in their life. Around this time in her life, Vicky discovered horses. She pursued English Hunter Jumper horseback riding with a passion that lasted over 50 years. She had the show jumping ribbons to prove it. Of course, she loved dogs too and was rarely without one in her life.

Vicky pursued all her life with similar dedication. She graduated from Yorktown High School in 1963. Then on to attend Purdue University earning an undergraduate degree in Industrial Economics. After only two years with the Arthur Andersen CPA firm, she realized she was on the wrong path. So Vicky returned to graduate school at Purdue University to earn her Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1975. After completing a Clinical Internship and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Washington, she established her Clinical Psychology private practice in Seattle, Washington retiring in 2020 after 43 years. As a psychologist Vicky was insightful, sensitive, and compassionate. Throughout those years her compassion and expertise touched many people and helped them through meaningful changes in their lives.

Vicky met her love and life partner in graduate school, John. Within a few months they were inseparable for the next 51 years. Vicky and John married on July 11, 1981 in Seattle, Washington. Three years later their only child Karen was born. Their little family was complete and Vicky took on the role of mother with her characteristic passion. Vicky shared her love of horseback riding, swimming, animals, and shopping at Nordstroms with her daughter. There was lots of family time with regular trips to their Mt. Baker condo to ski, swimming at the Aqua Club, boating on Lake Washington, and big group dinners with friends. Vicky was not known for her cooking skills but did love to share a meal with people and ate out more than most. She always ate at the same local restaurants and ordered her same favorite meals even though she would review the entire menu every time.

Socially, Vicky was energized in gatherings but she enjoyed quieter time too. She thrived in one-on-one interaction with her close friends. She enjoyed reading and her book clubs. In everyday tasks she was practical and loved doing planning and making lists. As physical activities became more difficult she and John added Alaskan cruises to their vacations. In recent years though, it was the role of Nannie to her grandchildren, Ava and Jack, that became her passion. Being a grandmother made her last years fulfilling and a delight. She loved playing with Ava and watching Ava play. Lunch at Lake Forest Park Town Center with Ava enjoying the child play area became a favorite outing. Little Jack completely charmed her with every smile. In the end, Vicky expressed that she felt at peace having lived a good life.

Vicky is survived by her loving husband, John Annibale DeNinno; their daughter Karen East DeNinno Carlson (Dane) and their children Ava and Jack Carlson of Lynnwood, Washington. She is also survived by her sister Elizabeth Rose East (Elizabeth Bixler) of Ithaca, New York.

A graveside service will occur at Abbey View Memorial Park in Brier, Washington. A celebration of her life will be held at Scott’s Bar & Grill in Edmonds, Washington.