Sally (Tilton) Winterbottom, long time Vineyard Haven resident, died peacefully on May 27. She was 87.

Sally was married to Ed (Pete) Winterbottom for nearly 50 years before his death in 1998. They had five children, Phoebe (Jim), Amy, (Harley), who predeceased her,, Polly (John), Bethany (Steve) and Peter (Suzi). Her nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter knew her as their Nana, a baking, painting and drawing, beach-combing, piano-playing card sharp.

Sally grew up on Cuttyhunk where she lived with her parents Sarah and Charles, sister Doris and brother Charles Jr. After living for many years in South Dartmouth, she and Ed moved the family to the Midwest. Upon Ed’s retirement they moved to Vineyard Haven and continued their long tradition of hosting family gatherings, encouraging young tennis players and swimmers, cooking and baking up a storm, and cherishing game playing opportunities with folks of all ages. Cribbage was a lifelong pursuit; she won the last game she played just days before her passing.

Sally’s love of the water began on Cuttyhunk and continued throughout her 87 years. She enjoyed observing the activity on any waterfront, from a beach chair on Eastville Beach, the west end of Cuttyhunk or the Detroit River, near where she lived her last number of years with her daughters in Michigan. She could gather driftwood, beach glass and other items and turn them into lovely little works of art. She enjoyed painting and drawing, especially seascapes and water scenes.

Sally loved being active in and having many friends in Christian Science churches from Massachusetts to Wisconsin and Michigan. Her membership in the Christian Science Society of Martha’s Vineyard provided her with opportunities to serve as well as to participate in a wonderful community.

She will be missed by many on-Island and off, and will be remembered fondly as a loving, warm, supportive, and talented friend, Nana, mom, wife, sister and daughter. A celebration of her life is being planned for this summer.