Eleanor Torrey West, known to her friends as “Sandy,” was born on January 17, 1913, and died on January 17, 2021, her 108th birthday.  While her life spanned an encyclopedia of world events, her own accomplishments in those 108 years affected the lives of many, including her family, countless friends, and the citizens of the State of Georgia.

She was the daughter of Henry Norton and Nell Ford Torrey of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and grew up between there and Savannah, Georgia. Her relationship with Ossabaw Island—one of the great loves of her life—began when her parents purchased the island in 1924.

West dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the island with others. She co-founded the Ossabaw Island Project, which brought professionals together from typically diverse fields to work in the unique environment of Ossabaw. She also started the Genesis Project, which invited young people to the island to live in a sustainable community and to work on individual projects in the sciences and the arts. Both were pioneering efforts of their kind. She was instrumental in working with owners of Georgia’s other barrier islands to raise awareness around their unique cultural, ecological, and scientific importance. Ossabaw was eventually conveyed to the State of Georgia as its first heritage Trust, thus preserving the pristine natural beauty and cultural heritage of the island for all Georgians.

No one can speak of West’s life without mentioning her love of animals. She was a tireless protector of all species and worked to ensure that their habitats remained safe.

Her children are the late Michael Torrey Shallcross, Gilian Ford Shallcross, John Post Shallcross, and Justin Paynter West. She also leaves her grandchildren, Melanie Shallcross, Angela Ladson, Patrick Shallcross, Benjamin Wohlauer, Katherine Orellano, Torrey Shallcross-Kraiss, John Shallcross, Jr., and Beryl Gilothwest, as well as many beloved friends.

There are few people who have lived 108 years and fewer still who have used their time as wisely as she did.  For all Georgians, Eleanor West has preserved a special part of their state; for her friends, she has inspired loyalty and devotion; and for her family she has been a beacon of love and hope.

A memorial will be held when it is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions of the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406.