Elinor Tomlinson Virden, 90, died peacefully at home in Boothbay Harbor on Nov. 28, 2014.

“Tommy” was born on Aug. 2, 1924 in Morristown, New Jersey, 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, Connecticut, 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 is survived by her son, John C. Virden III of Lakeville, Connecticut, and his daughters, Sarah and Marnie; her daughter, Patricia Mitchell and her husband James of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, and their daughters, Maddy and Emily; her daughter-in-law, Christine Virden of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, and her children, David, Tyler and Kacey; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in the spring or summer 2015, to be announced at a later date.  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 Road, Boothbay.