Maribeth Hemberger Priore, a long-time resident of Martha’s Vineyard, died suddenly from an accident at her home on March 5. She was 61.

The beloved wife of the late Robert Priore, Maribeth originally came to Martha’s Vineyard with her first husband, Jerry. After Jerry’s passing in 1997, she met Bob, with whom she shared 18 years of love and adventure. From that first night at Lola’s until their last night at home, where she held Bob as he passed away, they shared a special bond.

Maribeth loved writing, films, and photography and was able to enjoy those passions through her varied career. She was a well-known fixture on the Island, having worked for WMVY, the Chamber of Commerce, Bunch of Grapes and the Hall family movie theater business. Most recently she was a loving companion to acclaimed writer Peggy Freydberg.

She was born on Long Island to Robert and the late Nancy Hemberger. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert and Richard. She is survived by her sisters, Tammi and Patricia, her stepsons, Robert and Christopher, her daughters in law, Jenafer and Stephanie, grandchildren Olivia and Owen Priore, and her many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for both Maribeth and Robert will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m. at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs, officiated by Rev. Thomas Lopes. Interment of their cremains will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors for Robert provided by the Veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. The family will begin receiving visitors at the funeral home at noon.

Donations may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Infusion Center, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.