Obituary of Teresa Roma Dominic

Teresa Roma Dominic (artist formerly known as Teresa East), 55, of Olympia, Washington, was in the company of her loving daughters and dear friend when she passed away peacefully in her home on February 1, 2016, after a long journey with cancer. Teresa was preceded in death by her father, Dominic Bulone; her former husband and lifelong friend, John East; and her brother, Thom Bulone. She is survived by her treasured daughters, Laura and Michaela “Mickey” East; her confidant, jasper llee; her mother, Roma Singell; her siblings, Wendy Kieffer, Timothy Bulone, Vincent Bulone, Chris Bulone, and Monica Schwaniger; her faithful sidekick, Tortuga; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, an extensive natural and found family, and a community of loving friends. Teresa had an inherent ability to recognize and honor the sacredness in everyone. She inspired us all with her positive outlook on life, her insightful poetry, her warm humor and wit, and her ability to contemplate and not rush reaction. Born in Fullerton, California, as Teresa Ann Bulone, she was an easy baby and darling child, her curly black hair often fashioned into the now famous palm tree ponytail. Even as a girl, Teresa lived in the moment, once seen skipping down the alley to the local swimming pool with a plum in her hand saying, “This is the life.” Teresa’s love and appreciation for all God’s creations persisted throughout her life. Teresa graduated from Cornelia Connelly High School in Anaheim, California; her mom thought she should have received a Holy Roller Award for her constant kindness. She taught Religious Education classes and worked after school in the parish rectory. Teresa went on to explore her relationship with the divine and studied Theology at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles. Her work with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, LMU special games, and participation in nonviolent demonstrations, marked the beginnings of her lifelong passion for human rights and social justice. In college, she met her close and dear friend, Cathy Martinet “Hummingbird,” who would forever hold a special place in her heart. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning her Bachelor of Arts. During a summer break, Teresa was hired as a camp counselor at St. Vincent De Paul Ranch Camp, a.k.a. “Circle V.” There in the Santa Monica Mountains, she discovered the power of nature to transform and heal. She developed crushes and meaningful friendships with many like-minded, giving souls, and these relationships exposed her enthusiasm for the internal beauty and uniqueness of every individual. Through Circle V, Teresa met John East, who she went on to marry and with whom she had two children. John and Teresa were young, loving parents. While Teresa worked as a substitute teacher, she and John raised Laura and Mickey in the San Bernardino Mountains. In 1990, they moved to Puyallup, Washington, to live with John’s sister and her family, and Teresa began her career in social services. She continued this vocation when they moved to Olympia. She went on to pursue and earn a Master’s in Counseling degree at St. Martin’s College. Eventually she came to work for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) of Washington, where she served for fourteen years as a case manager for individuals with developmental disabilities and later as a trainer and support for other case managers. Through her work for DDA, she made friends and companions who would remain an important source of support even after her retirement. Teresa enjoyed journaling, writing poetry, taking photos of her walks through nature, and being present with the many people in her life whom she loved. She had an impressive memory for storytelling, a great imagination, and a general inquisitiveness toward the human experience and life’s mysteries. Teresa was a quiet pillar of the community in Olympia, remaining connected to the Olympia Unitarian Universalist congregation, fighting in her own way for equality for women, LGBTQ people, and those with disabilities, and had recently become involved with Books to Prisoners. Five years ago, Teresa received a terminal cancer diagnosis. In this new phase of her life, Teresa faced the likelihood of a shorter time on this earth. Her focus became the things and people she loved, processing what she has accomplished in her life, and the legacy she wanted to leave upon her death. She traveled with her daughters to Hawaii and Europe, and took the road trip of her dreams to the homesteads of her favorite author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. She spent time with each of her siblings and rekindled and strengthened relationships with extended family and friends. Teresa wrote and collaged, and spoke with those around her about a time when she was no longer here. Now that this time has come, our lives will never be the same. Teresa was the definition of loveliness in a human being. If, as Pablo Neruda said, beauty is a light in the heart, then Teresa was a beauty indeed! Teresa was among the most loving, honestly kind, compassionate, empathically sensitive, graciously thoughtful, gentle and peaceful, humble, deep, and genuinely spiritual souls on this planet. She encouraged those around her to accept love with grace and gratitude, to recognize joy, to seek beauty and enjoy nature, to be helpful to others, to cry, and to laugh. She touched many and will forever be missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward Teresa’s service, donations can be made in Teresa’s name to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, UNICEF, or an organization that feels significant to you. Other condolences can be sent to her home. Please leave memories of Teresa or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.