Karyl Bannister Conant passed away peacefully on March 18, 2021.

She grew up in Boston, where she later graduated from MassArt with a degree in illustration. Her career as a graphic artist took her from coast to coast, as she joined her first husband, Ned Shenton, in his adventurous life as an oceanographer, eventually returning to Southport, the island where they’d first met.

Karyl became well-known in the region, with “Cook & Tell,” the weekly newspaper column she wrote for the Boothbay Register. The project later expanded to a monthly newsletter on cooking and island life which she wrote and illustrated for more than 30 years. Later, a book deal followed, and in 2001, “Cook & Tell” was published, launching her on a New England book tour, radio interviews and promotional television spots.

Her creativity was not limited to the kitchen. The Boothbay Village collection, wooden replicas of local buildings she meticulously hand-painted, along with her hand-drawn Boothbay Pocket Maps and unique “Bobbles” pencil jewelry hand-crafted by her second husband, Bob Bannister, were sold throughout the nation.

After Bob’s passing, she continued her newsletter for another decade, later marrying Rick Conant, who preceded her in death.

Beyond her artistic talent, Karyl was a proud founding member of the Southport Mother’s Club; served as a trustee at Southport Memorial Library; and was a long-time organist for her church.

Karyl made the most of her life and will be long remembered by those who adored and admired her: her daughter, Amie; the members of her extended family; island neighbors and friends far and wide; and the many fans of her artwork, elegant wit and grace.