Obituary of Muriel Vanderbilt Kenyon

Muriel "Van" Vanderbilt Kenyon, of Chester Village West, Chester, CT, formerly of Essex, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2015. She was born in Amsterdam, New York on July 11, 1923. She was the daughter of the late Stanton T. Vanderbilt and Anna Slocum Vanderbilt. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Moir Kenyon. She is survived by her children; Richard M. Kenyon (Linda) of Illinois, Anne Nord (Carl) of Killingworth CT, Barbara Engel (Ferdinan) of RI, Robert G. Kenyon of Deep River, and Elizabeth McAvoy (Peter) of MA. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Muriel attended Pembroke College and left for San Francisco, CA to marry Charles Kenyon. She drove a bookmobile during WW II. After living in Royersford, PA and New Canaan, CT for many years they moved to Essex, CT in 1969. Van volunteered at the Essex Library, High Hopes, Old Saybrook Senior Center and taught reading in the Regional District 4 school system for many years. Donations in her name can be sent to these organizations in lieu of flowers. She was active in the Essex Congregational Church and volunteered each voting day at the poles for many years. She loved her bird feeder and the lovely Connecticut River, She was very grateful for her wonderful family and many friends. A family service will be held in the summer. A short gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday February 22nd, 2015 at the Essex Congregational Church during normal coffee hour, 11:15, to remember Muriel "Van" Kenyon's life. To share a memory of Muriel or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com . Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.