Deirdre DeCarion died on June 13 at her home in Edgartown. She was 79.

She was known as DeeDee or just D. Those who met her rarely forgot her. She made people feel good.

She was born on June 13, 1944 in New York City, the eldest daughter of William DeCarion of New York City and Delila Bofill DeCarion of Puerto Rico. Her early years were spent in Freeport on Long Island in New York.

Deirdre was a natural-born teacher who was most comfortable at the front of a class or when she had an audience. She loved students of all ages and encouraged their individuality. To be original and creative was as important as the basics. She taught science in a way that many middle school science students learned valuable life lessons. She is remembered at Brown Intermediate School in Madison, Conn., where she taught for many years.

She achieved a doctorate from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto in Canada. It is likely many of her former teachers were surprised that she excelled as a student who achieved at this level. But she was passionate about teaching and well-crafted curricula. She was never afraid to break a mold or tradition and the changes to which she was committed drove her to further levels of learning.

She loved and respected the outdoors and everything that is natural. She was a naturalist, hiker, sailor, runner, birdwatcher, camper who taught the environment and nature to many.

Since 1995 Deirdre had been a part-time Vineyard resident and for the last five years, she made it her permanent home.

Blessed with creativity, she took delight in encouraging artistry in others; everything could turn into an art project. On the Vineyard her hand-carved wooden walking sticks still adorn many hallways. She will remembered as The Dam Beaver at Vineyard Artisans Festivals. Her home in Edgartown is adorned with the finely-crafted half-hull models that she made at Wooden Boat School in Maine, a place she loved.

She loved anything that was fun. She was the creative force and founder of the Featherstone Ukulele Jam, which continues today. She had a knack for bringing out the beautiful, innocent playfulness of others and her photographs captured her joyful spirit, as there was often something quirky in the image.

She wrote her own journals, short stories and poetry. Few people know that she was quite a calligrapher.

Deirdre is survived by her sister Susie Atwell, brother in law Jack Atwell and nieces Karin and Rebecca, all of Charlotte, North N.C. In Toronto, she is adored by many friends including, Clara Kisco, Sharon Alton and Brenda Harris. She was predeceased by her longtime friend Ann Hinson.