Cynthia Lee Clarke

“Lee” Clarke died on October 11, 2010 of natural causes. She was born on November 17, 1923 in Bend, Oregon the youngest of the four children of Elwin and Grace Vinal. The family moved to Mercer Island in 1929. She attended Garfield High School and the University of Washington where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. In 1942 she married Fred “Ted” Clarke and had five sons and daughter over a span of 19 years. Lee was an active and involved mother who loved gardening, boating and family gatherings. She was an Arboretum member and served the organization as President. Always surrounded by children and grandchildren Lee cultivated many friendships and hosted many Thanksgiving celebrations including her famous skits with her sister Nuky Fellows. She is survived by her sons Ted, Nile (Marilee), John (Lyza) and Charlie (Teri) and daughter Cindy Peterson (Dean). The Clarke clan includes 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Lee was preceded in death by her husband Ted, and son Tom. She leaves behind a legacy of the importance of family, a love of nature and a contagious enthusiasm for life. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Mercer Island on Saturday, October 23 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made the the University of Washington Arboretum Foundation.