Eleanore Frances Tompkins died peacefully in her sleep on July 11 at the Royal Falmouth Nursing Home. She was 96, and was a loving and devoted aunt and a friend to all whose lives she touched.

Eleanore was born Oct. 29, 1924, in Gloversville, N.Y. She worked in New York city until she retired to the Vineyard in 1990. She worked in several positions but her proudest accomplishment was the work she did for the Sisters of Charity Foundling Home. Fiercely independent, she never married and always said she was married to God and the Roman Catholic church. She had a wonderful life living on her terms. She witnessed incredible changes to the world.

She was a lifelong summer visitor to the Island and then full-time resident for over 30 years. She had the gift of gab, was fun and feisty. 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.

She had a close relationship with family, including her mother and father, Chester Herbert and Mary Irene Jencks of Oak Bluffs, sister Mary Isabel Dier of Lake Worth, Fla., and sister Phyllis Capello of Newton, who are all deceased.

Eleanore was a professional volunteer and would help anyone in need. She served on the board for Island Elderly Housing since its inception and was a communicant of the Good Shepard Parish. Acknowledgement should also be made to the many agencies and caregivers who helped her live independently on her terms. Special mention should also go to Carol Forgione who always went above and beyond as her health care provider.

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 Tompkins Oyster Bay, N.Y. and Justin Dier and Ellen Proudfoot of Vineyard Haven. She is also survived by her beloved cat Mitzi.

Donations can be made to Island Elderly Housing, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Vineyard Nursing Association, Royal Falmouth Nursing Home, Fidelis Hospice, or Good Shepard Parish.

A memorial service and interment will be held in the fall.