Elinor H. Deal, 89, died June 21, 2009 at her home in Middlebury, Vermont. She was born October 20, 1919 in Springfield, Massachusetts and grew up in Troy, New York where she met and married John R. Deal, Sr. also of Troy, New York. She lived much of her adult life in Wellesley, Massachusetts and later lived in Denmark and Falmouth, Maine and Bristol, Providence and Barrington, Rhode Island before settling in Middlebury, Vermont in 2008. Elinor was predeceased by her husband John R. Deal, Sr. and her brother James Ham of Rockville, Maryland. She leaves her sister Barbara Claflin of Bedford, Massachusetts; her children, John (Pete) R. Deal, Jr. and his wife Patty of Barrington, Rhode Island; Barbara M. Deal and her partner Ann Crocker of Monkton, Vermont; and Thomas E. Deal and his wife Joanne of Ivoryton, Connecticut; six grandchildren, Betsy, Sharon, Sarah, Hannah, Stephen, and Nathan and four great grandchildren, Ruby, Jack, Olivia and Liam as well as several nieces and nephews. Family and friends were of primary importance to Elinor. She always had a tender heart for both children and animals. Her cat, Lily, was her constant companion in her later years. Elinor was also a lifetime volunteer involved in gardening, Girl Scouts, international visitors and the PTA. A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley, Massachusetts on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 11 am. A gathering will be held after the service. Memorial gifts in Elinors name may be sent to the Animal Shelter of Marthas Vineyard, P.O. Box 190, Edgartown, Massachusetts 02539.