Lois Tilton Daniels Dies; Was Chilmark Storyteller

Lois Tilton Daniels, 80, died on Monday, Oct. 17. She was born April 24, 1925, the daughter of Percy and Rachael Tilton of Chilmark. Lois had many wonderful stories to tell about her childhood days growing up in Chilmark and Menemsha.

When she married Robert Daniels, she raised her family, and completed her college education in the Berkshires. After successfully achieving class valedictorian and attaining teaching certification, she taught elementary school for many years, retiring as head teacher. The family would return to the Island each summer, where they built a home and worked the land to create fields of vegetable and flower gardens. Lois never viewed this as hard work - it was a labor of love for her.

Lois and Bob were among the original small group to form the now popular farmers' market on the Island, with Lois as the first farmers' market manager for many years. She had a great love for literature and for writing - especially the extensive study of family genealogy she researched for many (prior to the convenience of computers and the Internet). Lois had many talents. She enjoyed playing the organ, was a terrific baker, seamstress, hand hooked many rugs, and with ease and skill she canned and preserved food from their garden to enjoy during the winter.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert S. Daniels; her brother, Russell Tilton; sister in law, Phyllis Sanderson; brother in law, Harry Daniels; her children Mark, Lynne and Rebecca Daniels and daughter in law Nevenka Daniels. She also leaves five grandchildren, Rachael and Leo Convery, Warren West, Marco Daniels and Vinny Iacono as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for family and friends in November. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Community Solar Greenhouse or the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School.