Eleanor S. Payne Carpenter, 95, of Westerly died peacefully at home Monday, March 9, 2015, surrounded by her family. Born January 11, 1920 in Hartford, she was the daughter of Sidney E. and Alice L (Sands) Stockwell. She grew up in West Hartford, graduating from W.H. Hall High School. She attended Bates College, Lewiston, ME.
She wed John Raymond Payne on November 26, 1940 and enjoyed 48 happy years of marriage. Ray, who owned and operated the Watch Hill Boatyard in Avondale for many years, died in 1988. In 2000, at age 80, she married Harry N. Carpenter. He died just this past February 14th.
Eleanor was an accomplished and prolific artist specializing in oil painting. She contributed countless volunteer hours at Westerly Hospital, the Frank Olean Center and other community organizations. She was a direct descendant of Gov. William Bradford, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church. Eleanor was an avid reader, loved to travel, and especially enjoyed going to the beach.
She is survived by 3 children, Barbara S.P. Malone and husband, Bruce Malone of Camden, ME, John R. Payne, Jr. and wife, Mabel N. Payne of Westerly, and Susan S.P. Dinoto and husband, the Rev’d Anthony C. Dinoto of Ledyard; her seven beloved grandchildren, Hallie E. Payne, Michael N. Payne and his companion Raquel Moreira, John S. Payne and his wife Casey, Andrys I. Malone, Katharine S. Jones, Eleanor L. Dinoto, and Sydney P. Dinoto; her four great grandchildren, Jordan Payne, Nathaniel and Raymond Haessley, and Hannah B. Jones; and nieces and nephews.
She is survived also by Harry’s children, Joan (James) Thornton, David (Karen) Carpenter and Anne (Wes) Mook.
Eleanor’s family will greet relatives and friends Sun. March 15, from 3-5 pm at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Monday at 10:30 am at Grace United Methodist Church, 10 Park Avenue, Westerly. Interment will follow in River Bend Cemetery, Westerly.
Donations in Eleanor’s memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or Home and Hospice Care of RI, attn: South Team, 1085 North Main Street, Providence RI 02904.
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