ROCKVILLE — Lucy Vinal, 86, died peacefully June 19, 2014, at Knox Center for Long Term Care in Rockland, with her family at her side. They expressed her passing by saying, "And her Father said to her, it is time for you to come home and be with the ones who went before you. You are now part of the universe forever."

Born in Rockland on Nov. 11, 1927, she was the daughter of LaForest and Esther Burgess Day. Educated locally, she attended Rockland High School.

Beginning her working career at the age of 17, Lucy worked as a stitcher for many years at Van Baalens. Later she worked for several local fish processing factories, including Green Island and Port Clyde Canning.

For 47 years Lucy was married to Melvin Vinal. She was a devoted wife and mother to her children. Lucy was a giver, she always welcomed the neighborhood children into her home, offering them a place at her table. She was a wonderful cook and was famous for her chocolate cream pies. She loved to cook and have family gatherings.

Lucy held a special place in her heart for her favorite place, Matinicus Island. As a child she spent many summers there with her grandparents, Orin and LuLu Burgess, and was a frequent visitor all her life.

Lucy was an active person, was a lifetime member of T.O.P.S. and had a great love of all animals.

Always smiling, Lucy spread laughter wherever she went. In 1979 she had the mitral valve in her heart replaced due to a rheumatic heart. The doctors told her family she had five years to live, however she beat the odds, and continued to live, love and share joy for 35 more years. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Predeceased by her siblings, Dorothy Day Ripley, Barbara Hupper, Donald W. Day and Kenneth Day; Lucy is survived by her children, Cheryl L. Smith and her husband, Robert, of Rockville, and Daryl M. Vinal and his wife, Brenda, of Appleton; her three grandchildren, Shane E. Smith and his wife, Jill, and Jill's daughter, Phoebe Scott, all of Portland, Christopher Vinal and his wife, Kendra, of Washington, and Brandon Vinal of Appleton; two great-grandchildren, Adrian and Mason Vinal, both of Washington; and many nieces and nephews.

At Lucy's request, her family has chosen to remember her life privately.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.