Elinor Tomlinson Virden, 90, of Boothbay Harbor, died peacefully at home on the evening of Nov. 28, 2014.
“Tommy” was born on Aug. 2, 1924 in Morristown, N.J., a daughter of Frances Tomlinson Cook and Howard Tomlinson and stepdaughter of Aglar Cook. She grew up on Broadfield Farm in Morristown with her siblings, Marjorie T. Fraker, Richard Tomlinson and Jean T. Sartorius. She later attended Westover School in Middlebury, Conn. and Pratt School of Art in New York City. Tommy married John C. Virden (Jack) on June 8, 1943 and lived in Cleveland, Ohio until 1961 when they relocated to Palos Verdes Estates, California.
Tommy was an accomplished artist and an entrepreneur. She founded a successful needlepoint design company, JLT, with her sister Jonny and a friend, which was sold in 1983 before Tommy retired to Linekin Bay in East Boothbay in 1984. Both Tommy and Jack were active in the support of St. Andrews Hospital and the Boothbay Region YMCA during their years in the area and enjoyed cruises on their boat, Curlew, and their membership at The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club. As a member of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, Tommy designed all the kneelers that members needlepointed for the new sanctuary.
Tommy was predeceased by her husband, John C. (Jack) Virden; and son, David Virden.
Tommy is survived by son, John C. Virden III of Lakeville, Conn. and his daughters, Sarah and Marnie; daughter, Patricia Mitchell, husband James of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass. and their daughters, Maddy and Emily; daughter-in-law, Christine Virden of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass. and her children, David, Tyler and Kacey; as well as seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Sat., April 18 at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boothbay Region YMCA, P.O. Box 500, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
You can share your condolences by visiting www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Boothbay, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
