Burien’s 2023 “Citizen of the Year” Vicky Hartley, who was known for her selfless service and community leadership, passed away on April 13, 2025 at 72.

Her passing came suddenly and unexpectedly; true to her nature, Vicky spent her final days doing what she loved, and enriching the lives of people around her until the very end.

Vicky pulled people together, uniting them in efforts to care for each other, and our community. She was kind and empathetic when someone needed compassion, and firm and direct when a bold truth needed to be heard. She always extended a helping hand, anticipating how to support people even before an ask was made. Vicky had a sharp wit, a warm sense of humor, and was a collector and creator of art, expressing her creativity and inspiring others through unique crafting, DIY projects, upcycling, and the ongoing evolution of her eclectic garden.

Vicky was also a fierce advocate for justice, demonstrating unwavering strength in her convictions and commitment to causes important to her, steadfast in her dedication and perseverance to find solutions when she saw a problem needing to be solved, or a matter needing to be addressed.

Many people know Vicky from her fight to fix the flooding in Boulevard Park, which impacted several people’s homes and created significant hardships for a neighborhood that too often experienced neglect. Vicky refused to allow the flooding to go unchecked, and successfully organized the people of Boulevard Park to demand lawmakers take action. Her efforts ultimately resulted in sewers being extended into her neighborhood under a grant from King County.

Others know Vicky from the Wednesday Night Supper Club, a potluck-style event she founded to provide unhoused and low-income neighbors a warm, home cooked meal every week. Through Vicky’s efforts, in collaboration with other organizers, the Supper Club has become a staple for many, providing a consistent source of support in the community. Even now, after Vicky’s passing, the effort continues – a testament to her legacy of love and kindness echoing across our city.

Vicky has been widely recognized for her work; in 2023 she was named Burien’s “Citizen of the Year“; in 2025 she was nominated for the Sound Generations Inspire Positive Aging Award for Activism. When featured in Burien Magazine, Vicky was described as “a community champion,” and “a model of what it looks like to be a good neighbor.”

Vicky retired in 2018 following a long career helping others. In the 1990s she worked for a guardianship service in Seattle assisting elderly and disabled persons relocating from their homes, and then worked at Highline College as a coordinator in a program to assist developmentally disabled persons in finding employment. She also coached art classes for many of her students. Her home was decorated with numerous paintings by her students from those sessions.

The impact of Vicky Hartley will ripple throughout this world for innumerable years to come, with every act of strength and love creating a butterfly effect across countless people’s lives. Those who were fortunate enough to call Vicky a friend will continue to cherish the time they had with her, glimpsing regular reminders of her woven into the fabric of our community, and many people in this world will hold her in their hearts for a lifetime.

Vicky was born Vicky Lynn Armstrong on April 4, 1953 in Salem, Oregon. She was 72 years old at her time of passing, and is survived by her partner of 32 years Vince Cottone, and her cat ZeeZee. Shortly after her passing, her beloved Boston terrier Jax followed her into the great beyond. Vicky married Lance Hartley, a contractor from Ontario, Oregon, in 1977. Lance passed away in September 1989.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, June 7

A memorial service will be held at Highline United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. All who wish to celebrate the life and legacy of Vicky Hartley are welcome.

(Vicky with beloved dog Jax)

(Vicky serving dinner at the Wednesday Night Supper Club)

(Vicky active in the community with friends)

(Vicky at a city council meeting)

(Vicky teaching and crafting in her garden)

(Vicky at an arts market in the Shark Garden)

(Vicky at the opening of the DESC building in Burien she advocated for)

(Vicky as a young girl)

(Vicky out in nature)

(Vicky celebrating her anniversary with partner Vince)

(Vicky and Vince at the UW Arboretum in Feb. 2025)

EDITOR’S NOTE: With deep gratitude for her unwavering compassion and tireless dedication, everyone at The B-Town Blog/South King Media honors Vicky’s memory and extends heartfelt sympathies to all who knew and loved her.