Eleanor Irene Strout Gay, of Burlington, Vt., age 87, died peacefully surrounded by her friends and her son on Oct. 19, 2013, at Fletcher Allen Health Care losing her battle against pneumonia. Born April 14, 1926, in Northern Maine, Eleanor was the daughter of Franklin M. and Sylvia W. Strout. She graduated from Arlington Memorial High School in Arlington, Vt. in 1944, and in 1950, she graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelors of Science degree in Education, later earning her Masters Degree in Education from Lyndon State College. As a youth Eleanor worked for a local Arlington newspaper and on occasion babysat Norman Rockwell's children. After college Eleanor married Olin M. Gay (now deceased) and in 1952 her only child Olin M. Gay II was born. She later worked for The Medical Center and UVM traveling across Vermont to town clerks' offices for the purpose of collecting data about cancer patients for a study. She worked as the librarian at the Georgia Elementary School for the 1981-82 school year and then became the librarian at Lyndon Institute from August 1982 through June 1995. Her involvement and input were instrumental in bringing about a major library renovation at Lyndon Institute that took place in 1992, an accomplishment of which she would often speak. Eleanor was a member of the Vermont Educational Media Association (Vermont School Library Association) where she held a position on the board for several years. She was also a member of the New England Educational Media Association, the American Library Association, and the Association of Independent Schools. Eleanor finished her career at the UVM Bailey Howe Library during the 1995-1996 school year. In her spare time, Eleanor could be found either in her extensive gardens or preparing a gourmet meal. She loved all that was nature and enjoyed most reading about gardening and gourmet cooking. Eleanor is survived by her only son, Olin M. Gay II and his wife, Janet, of Wells River, Vt.; and only grandchild, Olin M. Gay III and his wife, Kyle, of Wilmington, Del. A memorial service in honor of Eleanor will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at 3 p.m. at the Old Shelburne Town Hall, 5420 Shelburne Road (US Rt. 7), Shelburne, Vt. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to remain for a brief reception celebrating Eleanor's life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eleanor's name may be made to either the American Lung Foundation or the American Cancer Society.