Frances Leventritt

Frances Leventritt surviving wife of M. Victor, former longtime summer of resident of Chilmark and eternal guardian of the Vineyard's fragility, died Jan. 15 in New York city. She was a Brooklyn-born Broadway actress, Manhattan siren and finally, tree-loving, arts-supporting, animal-adoring philanthropist. Her life was a "Bumpy Ride" lasting nearly 89 years.

She is survived by daughter Jennie Gadowski of the Vineyard, granddaughter Victoria, great granddaughters Jennelle and Jaidah; son Mark, his boys Victor and Derek, and son Daniel.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury.