BERLIN — Phyllis Clara East, long time Executive Secretary to the General Manager and Board of Directors of Ocean Pines, passed away at her home on Wednesday, April 4.  She was 72 years old. 

Born in Chateauguay, N.Y., East was the youngest of 12 children born to the late Felix Tavernier and Clara A. Santimore Tavernier. She met her husband, James W. East, in 1962 and they married the same year. In 1980 the couple and their four children moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. 

East was a member of the Berlin/Ocean City Moose Lodge and the American Legion Post #123 Women’s Auxiliary.  She enjoyed reading, camping at Sandy Hill Campground and spending time with her family and friends. 

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, James W. East; her children, Theresa (Philip) Marlowe, Kathleen East, Denise (Chad) Schillaci, James “Jay” East, James (Nicole) Blanc and Dan Kerstetter; her grandchildren, Lou Davis, Alyssa Moshili, Bryant East, Rachel Haines, Michael John Shockley, Dylan Shockley, Chelsea Willey, Katherine Reyes, James Reyes, Tyler Blanc; and sister, Rhada Weidemer-Bayer. 

She is also survived by Kimberly Bishop and Chrissy Tilghman, daughters of her heart; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers, Aurthur, Howard, Rupert, Robert, Edward, Daniel and Donald Tavernier and by sisters, Marion Recore, Irma Schneckenberger and Theresa Crawford.  

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Atlantic General Hospital for their exemplary care, concern and love.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to Atlantic General Hospital, 9733 Healthway Dr., Berlin, MD 21811.