Ellen Bigler Harrison, a longtime seasonal resident of Aquinnah, died on August 29.

She and her late husband, Vance, came to Martha’s Vineyard in 1973. Having been transferred from Westport, Conn. to the Chicago area, Ellen wanted a small footprint in the Northeast. And thus they settled on the corner of State Road and Moshup Trail in Aquinnah. Following Vance’s retirement in 1986, they spent four or five months of the year on the Island.

Ellen made many friends through tennis, golf, boating, and enjoying the beach. Together she and Vance harvested the land and enjoyed sharing the bounty of their fishing, clamming, and lobstering with friends.

She also was an art enthusiast. For nearly two decades, she volunteered as a docent at The Art Institute of Chicago. This love of art translated into many gallery visits with family and friends, exploring the unique and interesting artists on the Island.

She was born in 1929 and grew up in North Carolina as an only child. When she was 15 her father died, and she and her mom moved to New York city. Ellen attended Cornell University, where she met Vance.

She will be best remembered for her bright and cheery demeanor and her “can-do” attitude. She was always open to new activities and willing to share with others, grow new friendships and spread her positive attitude. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by four children: her son Vance Jr., his wife, Nancy, and their son, Martin, of Oklahoma; her daughter, Nan, of Florida, and her daughters Megan, Casey and Hayley; her son Scott, his wife, Karen, and their children Kelsey, Jay, and Leigh of Connecticut; and her son Matt and his wife, Gayle, of Utah.

Donations in honor of Ellen’s memory can be made to the Town of Aquinnah, in support the Gay Head Lighthouse, at gayheadlight.org/contributions.