Marion (Pinkie) Wright Backus Leavens of Naples, Fla., and West Tisbury died July 3 in Naples. She was 100.

Born in Windsor Locks, Conn., on August 27, 1907, she was the daughter of Lillian and Harold Backus, M.D. Raised in West Hartford, Marion graduated from the University of Vermont and married John M. Leavens in 1932.

They were longtime residents of Summit, N.J., where they raised their three sons. Marion was active in Calvary Episcopal Church, the College Club, the Summit Playhouse, and throughout her life, in the Pi Phi Sorority.

For 47 years, the Leavens were seasonal residents of Chilmark, where they built their home Roxbury overlooking Menemsha Pond. They sailed the local waters in their catboat Pinkletink and in 1962, they founded the Catboat Association, attracting members from around the world. More recently, Marion spent summers in West Tisbury. She was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church, Polly Hill Arboretum, the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club and an avid supporter of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. She could often be seen driving the family’s 1947 Willys Jeep, walking the beaches, and studying the flora and fauna. Her love for the Vineyard was profiled in Vineyard Voices 2.

Throughout her remarkable life, Marion remained deeply involved with her extended family and was noted for her wit, charm and ability to recite her own poetry at many family celebrations. She maintained a forward-thinking, optimistic outlook that inspired people of all ages. Many family and friends gathered for her 100th birthday celebration last summer where she regaled them with her humor, storytelling, and youthful spirit.

Survivors include two sons, Peter of Newark, Del., and Douglas of Kensington, Md., granddaughters Karla Leavens and Jillian Cosgrove, grandson Ivan Leavens, great-granddaughter Alexa Cosgrove, great-grandsons Miles and Sloan Leavens, five nieces, two nephews, seven great-nieces and four great-nephews, along with their children.

She was predeceased by her husband, eldest son John M. Leavens Jr., grandsons Andrew D. Leavens and Alexander W. Leavens, and sister Ann B. Muddle.

A memorial service will be held on August 16 at the First Congregational Church, West Tisbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Congregational Church or the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.