Gracile Flower Lord, 79, Ripton Gracile (Flower) Lord, 79, of Ripton, died peacefully at home in the presence of her family on July 17, 2006 after a long and courageous struggle with multiple illnesses. Born in Hartland Four Corners, Vermont, on February 1, 1927, she was the daughter of J. Howard and Diamond (Rose) Flower. She graduated from Windsor High School in 1945 and received a B.A. in English from the University of Vermont in 1950. Although she was employed as an English teacher at Lyndon Institute and as a bookkeeper in several businesses, including Beckwith Motors in Middlebury and Palmers Dairy in East Middlebury, her greatest love was her home and garden. Along with her husband, Arthur R. Lord, she operated the Robert Frost Mountain Bread and Breakfast in Ripton for a number of years. A life-long vegetarian, she was legendary for her integrity and her tenacious adherence to her principles. She was also active in community affairs and served as a member and chair of the Ripton School Board. She leaves her husband of 56 years; her daughter Kristin Lord, son-in-law Christopher Small and granddaughter Helen Small, all of Elora, Ontario, Canada; her sisters Zelva Ladeau and Iloene Brennan of Bristol and Ildolyn Ahearn of Hopkinton, Massachusetts; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Thalen, Launise, and Norlan Flower and her sisters Mavis Ebbett and Lyrace Fontaine. Cremation has been arranged by Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury. At her request, there will be no visiting hours. A memorial service and interment details are to be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.