With profound sadness we announce the passing of Eleanore Frances Tompkins, our loving and devoted aunt and a friend to all whose lives she touched. She left us while sleeping peacefully on July 11, 2021, at 9:15 am at Royal Falmouth Nursing Home. She was in her 97th year.
Born in Gloversville, N.Y., in 1924, she had a wonderful life, living her 96 years on her terms. She was first a lifelong summer visitor and then full-time resident for more than 30 years on Martha’s Vineyard. Fiercely Independent, she never married, always saying she was married to God and the Roman Catholic Church. She witnessed incredible changes to the world in her 96-plus years.
Eleanore worked in New York City until she retired to the Vineyard in 1990. She worked in several positions, however Eleanore’s proudest accomplishment was the work she did for the Sisters of Charity Foundling Home in New York City. She had the gift of gab, was fun and feisty, and because of this she had many dear friends who treated her as family throughout her life. Mary Holman of Oak Bluffs was always there for her. Eleanore was a professional volunteer, and would help anyone in need. She served on the board for Island Elderly Housing from its inception, and was a communicant of the Good Shepherd Parish, Martha’s Vineyard.
She had a very close relationship with family. She was predeceased by her mother and father, Chester Herbert and Mary Irene Jencks of Oak Bluffs; and by her sisters, Mary Isabel Dier of Lake Worth, Fla., and Phyllis Capello of Newton. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews, with special acknowledgment to Betsy Dier Woodcock of Leesburg, Fla., Barbara Dier Flatley of Snow Hill, Md., Deborah Dier Gluck of Medford, N.Y., Thomas Dier of Oyster Bay, N.Y., and Justin Dier and Ellen Proudfoot of Vineyard Haven. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Mitzi.
Acknowledgement should be made of the many agencies and caregivers who helped her live independently. Any donations should be made to one of these agencies: Island Elderly Housing, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Vineyard Nursing Association, Royal Falmouth Nursing Home, Fidelis Hospice, and Good Shepherd Parish on M.V. Special mention should also go to Carol Forgione, who always went above and beyond as her healthcare provider.
Memorial service and interment will be in the hall. Heaven has another angel.
