Violet S. Thoron of Washington, D.C., and West Tisbury died Jan. 5 at the age of 101. She first came to the Island with her late husband Benjamin W. Thoron in the summer of 1933. They fell in love with the Island and were regular visitors for the remainder of their lives, first renting and then purchasing their home, High Hope, in 1946. They thrived here, surrounded by their children, grandchildren and poodles.

Mrs. Thoron was for many years an active member of the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club. She was a creative flower arranger who enjoyed placing her work in exhibits hosted by the club. She was an avid gardener. Her home was often filled with flowers cut from her own garden. She enjoyed a long friendship with her contemporary, Polly Hill, with whom she exchanged many specimen plants.

She loved walking on the beaches of the Island, taking joy from observing the natural world around her. She supported many of the Island open space and conservation organizations. She had a deep interest in the work of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann T. Hale of West Tisbury and her son Samuel of San Francisco, Calif. Another son, Christopher, died in 1974. She is survived by seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 8 in Washington, D.C. Donations in her memory may be made to the Polly Hill Arboretum or to the Vineyard charity of your choice.