Elinor C. Muller, 86, Was East Chop Year-Rounder

Miss Elinor C. (Nora) Muller died peacefully on April 30 at Martha's Vineyard Hospital. She was born on January 16, 1919 and was 86 years old. She had been an independent, year-round resident of her beloved East Chop home since 1982. Nora had recently moved to Windemere in January 2005 because of deteriorating health.

Nora was the daughter of Edward N. and Flora Muller, who first came to Martha's Vineyard as summer visitors in 1927. Nora grew up on Staten Island and was graduated from Staten Island Academy in 1937 and Bradford Junior College in 1939. She worked for Union Carbide in New York city for over 30 years, became head law librarian and was recognized with numerous professional awards. Nora was an active member of the American association of law librarians.

During World War II, Nora served as an American Red Cross hospital-trained worker stationed at Miller Field on Staten Island where she greeted and assisted troops returning from battle.

Upon her retirement to the Vineyard, Nora joined the garden club, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library and was chairman of the volunteers at Martha's Vineyard Hospital. She was a devoted and dedicated supporter of Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, where she volunteered her time regularly. Nora was also a member of the East Chop Beach Club.

Nora particularly appreciated good food, good stories, good bourbon and good friends. She traveled extensively during her retirement from Greece to the Caribbean to Portugal to Arizona. She played bridge regularly, loved to dine out at fine restaurants, enjoyed a great party and adored attending the ballet. Nora will be remembered for her quick wit, sharp tongue, intelligence, honesty and lively sense of humor, all of which stayed with her until the end. She was a loyal and supportive friend to those who were lucky to know her well.

She is survived by two nephews, Richard Muller of Oregon and Samuel Muller of California; two great nieces, Alexandra Arboleda of Phoenix, Ariz. and Sarah Dick of Tucson, Ariz.; a great nephew, Edward N. Muller 4th of Springfield, Ore. A brother, E.N. Muller Jr., predeceased her, as did her nephew, E.N. Muller 3rd. Nora leaves behind numerous friends of all ages who appreciated her strong character and comedic timing. She will be especially missed by James Bryan, Emma Carmichael, Kit Sanders and Tom and Barbara Willmott.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 494, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. on East Chop.