VINALHAVEN — Cynthia Tupper Oakes passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2021. Born on July 16, 1931, Cynthia had recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

The eldest child of Ira W. and Evelyn Hyler Tupper, she was born in Rockland, Maine. She spent her early childhood on Criehaven before moving to Vinalhaven. As a teenager on Vinalhaven, she worked at the Islander Inn. She enjoyed attending local dances, Latin Club, sewing, knitting and ice skating.

Cynthia graduated salutatorian from Lincoln School on Vinalhaven in 1949. She met Alton “Sonny” Oakes when he returned from the service and they were married on February 4, 1950. They raised three children, Russell, Jill and Karen. They resided at their Chestnut Street home for 70 years.

Cynthia spent much time at the Vinalhaven Public Library, as she was an avid reader. She also was a Girl Scout volunteer and a member of the Vinalhaven Health Council. Cynthia loved animals and enjoyed walking her
dogs. She enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and writing.

Becoming a grandmother was her greatest enjoyment. She loved spending time with Joseph and Whitney, taking them for picnics, walks, playing games and reading to them. She was blessed to also have great-grandchildren.

Cynthia is survived by her daughters, Jill Oakes and husband Alan Koenig, and Karen Oakes; grandson Joseph Pratt and wife Amanda; granddaughter Whitney and husband Robert Breault; great-grandsons, Lucas Pratt, Greyson and Harrison Breault; and great-granddaughter, Harper RayAnn Pratt.

She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Sherry and Greg Stine, Holly and Jeff Ward, and Adam and Susan Rice, along with seven great-nieces.

She is predeceased by her husband, Alton Oakes, Jr.; son, Russell Oakes; parents, Ira and Evelyn Tupper; siblings, Dora Tupper Rice, Whitman Tupper, Jack Tupper, and Dennis Tupper.

A committal service will be held at a later date.

To share a memory or condolence with the Oakes family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.