Vivian Highland

She was 92 years old when on July 11, 2013, Vivian Highland patiently and peacefully began a wonderful new life in Heaven. Always a lady of style, she was never without her red lipstick, not even on that special day. Born at Lake Chelan, Washington in March of 1921, her parents named her Vivian, but many friends knew her better as “Babe.” One of mom’s favorite memories from her charmed childhood on Lake Chelan was going with her dad on their ‘Launch’ as he took a young Elizabeth Taylor and the dog Lassie up lake where they were filming the movie “Lassie Come Home.” Perhaps that was when Vivian’s love for dogs began. Much of her life always included a dog and she was dedicated to doing her part by actively helping Humane Societies no matter where she was living. In her senior year in high school, she was chosen ‘Princess Chelan.’

The next few years found her working at Miller’s Department Store in Wenatchee and then in Chelan working with her dad at the Chelan Transfer Company. A true Chelan native, she packed apples in the winter. She then moved to Seattle and worked as a sales representative for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. For many years, she was manager of Brown’s Beauty Supply in Yakima and then later in East Wenatchee. One year, she even opened her own candy store in Lake Chelan. Being the strong and independent woman Vivian was, she worked and lived not only in Washington, but also in California and for two years in Lake Chalupa, Mexico where she was convinced she could live cheaper on Social Security.

In 1944, she married Leo Lippincott in Chelan while Leo was serving in the Navy during World War II. From that union, came two wonderful and talented children: Pam (Bruce) Bond and Patrick (Linda) Lippincott.

Vivian’s later years found her contentedly settled back in Walla Walla where her children lived, enjoying her dog Magoo, and the fruits of her good life, grandchildren: Tonyel Nelson (Matthew), Linc Lippincott (Lauren), Dayatra Jorden (Shawn) and Colt Lippincott; step grandchildren: Nacole Watts (Brandon), Kaprina Jones (Dallas), David Brown (Emily) and Jeanette Hammond-Brown (Aron); great grandchildren: Gracie Nelson, Shaylee and Alexis Jones, Rieken and Aleah Watts, Story Jorden, Ryan and Casey Brown, Honor Hammond-Brown. All of the children referred to her as Grammie Hi.

Known for her spunk, she had a great sense of humor and loved surprises. It did not matter how much time or work went into the plan. A wonderful cook and classy host, dinner at Mom’s was always an event. She would do anything for the surprise and enjoyment of the family she loved. While living in Yakima, Vivian began her true love and gift of needlepoint. The patience and dedication to perfection has left many amazing and beautiful pieces that are truly a legacy for all her family to enjoy and cherish.

Mom’s life was lived to the fullest and as her family, we are still trying to catch our breath when we think about her journey. Though we will miss this wonderful lady, we believe she was greeted with much joy and love by those who were waiting for her in Heaven; her parents, Ray and Bertie Highland (Roland), her former husband, Leo Lippincott, her sister, Emma Clark and her dear grandson, Christopher Mattson. We know she will be keeping an eye on us all and waiting patiently for her little dog Magoo to join her on this new journey.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society in her name. A memorial service will be held in Chelan at a later date.