Priscilla Jane Warren died peacefully after a long illness on August 14 with her daughter Allison by her side.
Priscilla was a resident of Oak Bluffs for nearly 35 years.
She was born to Mary Stuart Manning and Robert Lincoln Warren on July 10, 1952 in Auburn, N.Y. She grew up in Guilderland Center, N.Y. and attended Guilderland High School, where against her mother’s affectionately-remembered restrictions, she snuck out in the middle of the night with her best friend Kathy Ford to attend the first Woodstock music festival in 1969. An unwavering fan of The Beatles, Priscilla continued her lifelong interests in music of the 1960s and 70s, along with a love of classical opera that she shared with her mother.
Priscilla studied business administration at Clinton Community College and the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, ending her studies early to give birth to her daughter Allison. She worked tirelessly as a single mother following the birth of her son Stuart. She held several positions in the real estate and banking industries, including at Martha’s Vineyard Bank where she was a key champion for many years of the annual Possible Dreams Auction benefiting Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
She loved animals, music and travel, and enjoyed many trips to the Caribbean. Her favorite island in the entire world was Martha’s Vineyard. She first visited with her mother in 1980 and afterwards was eternally smitten.
Never a wallflower, Priscilla’s wit and energy was a powerful force to everyone she encountered. She never lost hope in everything she truly believed to be just.
Priscilla is survived by her daughter Allison Derusha of New York, N.Y., and her son Stuart Darrah of Schuyler Falls, N.Y. In addition to her children, Priscilla’s memory is cherished by her siblings: Suzanne Smith of Syracuse, N.Y.; Shawn Warren of Savannah, N.Y.; Tonya Smith (Richard) of Port Byron, N.Y.; Stuart Knapp (Nina) of Altamont, N.Y.; Kurt Warren (Diana) of Port Byron, N.Y.; Robert Warren of Genoa, N.Y.; Martha Mohr of Schenectady, N.Y.; Crystal Warren of Auburn, N.Y.; and Michael Warren of Auburn, N.Y.; along many cherished nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father Robert in 2006 and her mother Mary in 2015.
A private celebration of life will be held at the Chilmark Community Church on Sept. 17.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution in memory of Priscilla Jane Warren to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, the Chilmark Community Church, the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, or a favorite charity devoted to human rights, mental health or animal welfare.
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