Kirby Thorne-Doyle died on July 17. She was 74.

Kirby was born Feb. 2, 1950 (Groundhog's Day) on Long Island, N.Y. to Bliss Kirby “Ted” Thorne (her first best friend) and Edna M. Thorne.

Her family moved to New Canaan, Conn. when she was seven and she discovered competitive swimming. Her 15 minutes of fame came when she beat an Olympian at a swimming meet at Yale.

Prep school interrupted her swimming and at 17 she moved to North Conway, N.H. She loved North Conway and skied to her heart's delight.

She married at 18 years old. When she was 19 and 21 she was fortunate to give birth to the loves of her life, sons Jason and Justin. The three of them grew up together and have always been best friends.

She discovered the beautiful Island of Martha’s Vineyard in her late 20s she visited as often as possible. She moved to the Island permanently in 1999 and was very content for the rest of her life. She was a custom home builder and enjoyed making people happy in their new homes.

She will be missed for her unwavering positivity and optimism, her friendship, beautiful gardens and the thousands of pounds of delicious fudge and blueberry cakes she made.

She is survived by her sons: Jason and T (Teresa) Sanphy of North Reading and Edgartown, and Justin and J (Jeanette) and their son Cameron Sanphy of North Conway, N,H. and Massachussets, and the wonderful love of her life, granddaughter Hailey of Burlington, Vt.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and many thanks to all the people who helped out during Kirby’s life, especially over the last few months — her family, her incredible friends all over New England, Martha’s Vineyard, Florida and all the other places she traveled, the Edgartown police and fire departments for their numerous visits over the years, along with everyone at Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, Sept. 14, with the location still to be determined.