Elinor H. Deal, 89, died Sunday, June 21, 2009 at her home in Middlebury, Vt. She was born October 20, 1919 in Springfield, Mass. and grew up in Troy, N.Y. where she met and married John R. Deal, Sr. also of Troy.

She lived much of her adult life in Wellesley, Mass. and later lived in Denmark and Falmouth, Maine and Bristol, Providence and Barrington, R.I., before settling in Middlebury in 2008.

Elinor was predeceased by her husband John R. Deal, Sr. and her brother James Ham of Rockville, Md. She leaves her sister Barbara Claflin of Bedford, Mass.; her children, John (Pete) R. Deal, Jr. and his wife Patty of Barrington; Barbara M. Deal and her partner Ann Crocker of Monkton, Vt.; and Thomas E. Deal and his wife Joanne of Ivoryton, Conn.; six grandchildren, Betsy, Sharon, Sarah, Hannah, Stephen and Nathan; and four great-grandchildren, Ruby, Jack, Olivia and Liam as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends were of primary importance to Elinor. She always had a tender heart for both children and animals. Her cat, Lily, was her constant companion in her later years. Elinor was also a lifetime volunteer involved in gardening, Girl Scouts, international visitors and the PTA.

A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley, Mass. on Saturday, July 18 at 11 a.m. A gathering will be held after the service. Memorial gifts in Elinor’s name may be sent to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 190, Edgartown, Massachusetts 02539.