Adele B. Nelson, 63, of East Chop and Bernardsville, N.J., died Sunday, July 22 at home after a long illness.

Introduced to the Island by her husband Frank, a lifelong Vineyarder, she fell in love with its charms and traditions, and made them her own for 40 years.

Her love of the Island was evident in everything she enjoyed: tending her gardens at her cottage The Grape Escape, early morning coffee and doughnuts on South Beach, spring walks through Polly Hill, Saturday mornings at the West Tisbury Farmers' Market, seafood festivals with family and friends, and posing as the Marshmallow Fairy handing out treats at beach cookouts. She was an active member of both East Chop Beach Club and Edgartown Golf Club.

Born in Philadelphia, Adele grew up in South Orange, N.J. She was a resident of Bernardsville for 34 years, where she raised two children with her husband Frank. She graduated from the Baird School in Orange before attending Connecticut College. She received her bachelor's degree in communications from Boston University.

A multi-talented woman, Adele often found her expertise sought in matters of interior design and wedding planning. She maintained careers in crafts, fashion, advertising and travel. Most recently she was owner of an advertising agency and a travel service. 

Survivors in addition to her husband Frank include her father, Ferdinand Brewer and wife Constance of Maplewood, N.J.; brother Ferdinand (Chip) Brewer and wife Pam of Racine, Wisc.; daughter Libby Hiltabrand and husband Shane of Summit, N.J.; son Jamie and wife Suzanne of Washington, D.C.; and four grandchildren: Xander, Sterling, Maisie and Amelia.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 31 at 11 a.m. in the church of St. John on the Mountain, Bernardsville, N.J. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in her memory to the American Cancer Society, Somerset County Unit, 600 First avenue, Raritan, N.J. 08869 or to the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, 12 Olcott avenue, Bernardsville, N.J. 07924.