Lucille A. Martone died unexpectedly at her home in Marydel, Md., on Dec. 4.

Born Feb. 28, 1947, in Oak Bluffs, Lou, as she was known to her family and friends, attended school on Martha’s Vineyard and finished her education in Smyrna, Del. Some of her fondest childhood memories were the times spent with her grandparents Winthrop B. (Sonny) and Mildred E. Norton at the family farm on Oyster Pond in Edgartown.

For many years Lou was employed as a department manager at General Foods Corporation. When she retired, she realized a lifelong dream and purchased her own 150-acre farm where she would enjoy her horses, sheep and beloved black Labrador Bandit. An avid sportsman and expert equestrian, Lou was happiest in the field hunting or on the water’s edge fishing.

She is survived by her beloved partner of 51 years Regenia Fales; her sister Natalie Conroy of West Tisbury; her brother Michael Geddis of Vineyard Haven; her uncles Allen W. Norton and Albert A. White, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended families both in Rhode Island and in Marydel. She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Anthony A. Martone Jr.

A memorial service to celebrate her life is being planned at a later date on Martha’s Vineyard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02535.