Born in Stockton, California , Vermilye studied at the Los Angeles Art Center and the California College of Arts & Crafts. On Nantucket, she exhibited at the Gallery at 4 India Street, The Main Street Gallery, and the Kenneth Taylor Galleries. Vermilye become a permanent resident of Nantucket Island in 1978. The Inquirer & Mirror said of her photo-realistic approach, “Her use of light is reminiscent of the old masters.”