Marion E. Keniston, 95, Was Main Street Fixture

Marion E. (Leonard) Keniston, of Edgartown, died peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

She was the widow of Malcolm G. Keniston, who passed away on June 27, 2004.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Linda Vaughan Keniston, in 1998. She also was predeceased by a sister, Eloise Doten, of Hamden, Me., and a brother, Howard W. Leonard Sr., of Oak Bluffs.

Born in Harvard, Mass., on Feb. 26, 1911, to Alpha Freeman Leonard Sr. and Lucinda Estelle Phinney.

She moved to Martha's Vineyard in 1917. She attended Oak Bluffs School, where her father was the principal.

Her graduating class had seven members. On the class's trip to Washington, D.C., she met the only two boys from Edgartown, who were also on the trip, one being Malcolm Keniston.

After attending Dean Junior College, she returned to the Vineyard to work at Leonard's Service Station in Oak Bluffs.

Marion and Malcolm were married on March 19, 1931. For a number of years, Mrs. Keniston was a bank teller at the Edgartown National Bank, retiring in 1976.     

Mrs. Keniston enjoyed the simple pleasures that life on the Vineyard had to offer: family outings, dining with friends, hunting, fishing, golfing, bird watching and long walks along the shores. In her later years, long drives down distant roads became a day well spent. She loved to share memories of a time soon to be forgotten, to all that would listen. Each landmark, each "Island" family name would bring her audience to an era that can only now be visualized. She spoke often of lifelong friends and the rewards of their relationships.

Even in her last years at her Main street home, in the town that she so cherished, her zest for life and her dry wit were contagious. When asked by a caregiver or a visitor if she would like something to drink, a twinkle would come to her eyes and she would reply, "I'll take a rye highball."

Survivors include a brother, Alpha Freeman Leonard Jr., and his wife Constance of Vineyard Haven; and 11 nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Keniston's graveside service will be held in the Old Westside Cemetery, Edgartown at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Visiting Nurse Service, 111 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs. More information is available by visiting ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.