I always looked forward to the farmers’ market during the summer and visiting with Ethel Sherman and Ralph, if he was there. The biggest thrill one summer was being invited to their home to see Ralph’s amazing garden.

I loved speaking with Ethel every summer — she was very sweet, bright, youthful, joyful and had a good sense of humor. She laughed when I used to tell her that she was a celebrity and of course her eyes twinkled when I asked her to autograph the photo of her and Ralph from an article that was published in Edible Vineyard a few years ago. I still have that article and signed portrait of the Shermans.

Her husband, a quiet man, great gardener and devoted husband, took wonderful care of Ethel when she had difficulties with her health.

Acknowledgment goes also to the women who helped Ethel and Ralph at the farmers’ market and who always told Ethel if someone sent their regards and best wishes to her. They sometimes kept a notebook for Ethel’s friends to sign at the Sherman’s market table in order to send messages to Ethel when she was not able to be at the market.

Thank you for all the articles about Ethel that appeared recently in the Gazette.

Cathy Tasman
West Tisbury