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Grace Willoughby, 95
Was a Retired Teacher
Grace Willoughby, 95, of Fairhaven, formerly of Edgartown, died on April 2 at the Alden Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fairhaven.
Born in Everett, a daughter of the late Walter I. Willoughby and the late Grace Newhall Willoughby, she had been a resident of Fairhaven for many years. Miss Willoughby taught at the Edgartown Elementary School for 20 years. She also taught in the Fairhaven Elementary School for 20 years after moving to that city in the late 1940s.
From her birth until 1924, she spent her summers at the family home at Green Hollow in Edgartown. In 1924, the family moved permanently to Edgartown and Miss Willoughby was graduated from Edgartown High School in 1925. She received her teaching degree from Hyannis Normal School in 1927 and began her teaching career.
For many summers, she was a ticket collector at the Edgartown Bathing Beach, the predecessor of the Chappaquiddick Beach Club. She was active in the Edgartown United Methodist Church for many years and a devoted member of the Centre United Methodist Church in Fairhaven after settling there.
Miss Willoughby served on the board of directors of the Visiting Nurse Association in Fairhaven, was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and an honorary member of the Fairhaven Colonial Club.
She is survived by two nephews, David E. Willoughby of Westford and John A. Willoughby Jr. of Suffield, Conn.; two nieces, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons of Shoreham, Vt., and Bebe Willoughby Slappey of Alexandria, Va.; and several grandnieces and grandnephews. She was the sister of the late Edward Newhall Willoughby, Everett Sawyer Willoughby and John Alva Willoughby and the aunt of the late Ursula Willoughby DiRuggiero.
A funeral service were held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, in the Fairlawn Home of Sullivan-Waring, 180 Washington street, Fairhaven. A graveside service was held on Sunday, April 7, at the West Side cemetery in Edgartown.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Centre United Methodist Church, 46 Centre street, Fairhaven, MA 02719 or to the Edgartown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1754, Edgartown, MA 002539.
Jean Bettencourt
Worked Summers at Mel's Diner
Jean M. Moulton Bettencourt of Medway, 60, died May 13 at her summer home in East Falmouth. She was the wife of the late Bruce F. Bettencourt, who died Jan. 10, 2002.
Born in Ashland March 28, 1942, the daughter of the late Robert and Jean Tucker Doran, Mrs. Bettencourt was brought up in Ashland and had lived in Medway for 30 years. She had summered in East Falmouth for many years in a home overlooking the bay.
She was a planner for the CIBA Corning Co. for 18 years before retiring from the firm. For many summers, she had been a cook and waitress at Mel's Diner at the Katama Airport in Edgartown.
Mrs. Bettencourt loved to walk the beaches of Cape Cod, collecting white stones. It was her dream someday to cover the front yard of her home with white rocks. She loved flying and was known for her fine singing voice.
She is survived by two daughters, Laurie Mello of Laconia, N.H., and Bonnie O'Neill of Medway; a brother, Thomas Doran of Newport Beach, Calif.; a sister, Maureen Boutilier of Amesbury, and her grandchildren, Derek Bettencourt of Uxbridge and Korinne Mello of Laconia.
Her funeral service was held on Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home in Medway. Interment was private.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Nauset Lighthouse Preservation Society, Box 941, Eastham, MA 02642 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen street, Framingham, MA 01701.
Jean A. Siewers, 77
Was Volunteer at Felix Neck
Jean Armstrong Siewers, 77, of Price's Way, Edgartown, died at her residence surrounded by family on Saturday, June 22. She was the wife of the late Lawrence B. Siewers.
Born in Boston on Nov. 11, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Thomas C. and Tye (Wilson) Armstrong. She grew up living in many places as the daughter of a public health service administrator, which was her first introduction to Martha's Vineyard.
Upon her graduation from Keuka College, she married
Lawrence B. Siewers and had her three children while residing in Albany, N.Y., prior to moving to Kingston, N.Y.
Jean worked for many years as a social worker before moving back to Martha's Vineyard. While living on the Island, she managed the Katama Shores Inn for several years prior to retiring in 1995. She volunteered her time at the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and was involved with the Island Theatre Workshop and the Vineyard Nursing Association.
She is survived by Elizabeth and Melvin Hauck of Edgartown; Carolyn B. Siewers and Leslie Surprenant of Palenville, N.Y.; Jacqueline and Meikle Gardener of Standish, Me., and her three grandchildren, Kristopher and Morgan Hauck and Olivia Siewers-Surprenant. She also leaves her beloved dog, Buttons, and cat, Cici.
Relatives and friends will be invited to attend a graveside memorial service in the autumn.
Memorial donations may be made in her memory to either Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, One Hospital Way, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 494, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.
Robert M. Green Sr., 95
Was Ardent Genealogist
Robert M. Green Sr. died peacefully at his home on Watcha Path in Edgartown on Saturday, June 22. He was 95.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 8, 1906, he was the third child of Forest and Mae (White) Green. He was graduated from Johnstown (Ohio) High School and attended Denison College in Granville, Ohio.
After selling the family plumbing supply company, in 1960 he moved with his family from Ohio to Lakeland, Fla., where he became an orange grower and passionate genealogist.
In 1978 he published The Green Tree, a history of the Green family in America. His volumes of research are preserved in the Licking County Genealogical Society archives in Newark, Ohio.
Mr. Green moved to the Island permanently in 1997. His activities were greatly affected by blindness, but he remained interested in gardening, news and sports.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Carmen (Webb) Green and second wife Grace (Baggett) Green. He is survived by his only child, Robert M. Green Jr. of Edgartown.
Donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown fire and rescue services, or the MSPCA. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.
David Allen Smith
Was Cook, Avid Fisherman
David Allen (Smitty) Smith of Cottonwood Lane in Edgartown died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 27, at the Falmouth Hospital. He was 48 years of age.
Dave was born in New Bedford on Dec. 8, 1953, the son of the late Walter F. Smith and the late Dorothy Hayes.
He was graduated from the New Bedford High School in 1971. He worked as a chef for various restaurants in New Bedford and at St. Luke's Hospital as a pastry chef. He moved to Colorado in 1976 to pursue his love of cooking for the following year. Dave came to Martha's Vineyard to visit his brother in 1978 and never left, becoming a cook at the Kelley House.
He began his second career as a quality painter on his own since the early 1980s under the name of David Smith Painting and Restorations.
He was an avid and well-known fisherman, and he greatly enjoyed the fishing derbies. Dave won many fishing awards but none was more important to him than when he and son, Zach, were presented with the 1996 Beaulieu-Loud Memorial award.
Dave also was well-known for his dedicated involvement with the Island youth baseball leagues. He coached minor league and served as the commissioner of the Babe Ruth League.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia MacDonald Smith of 12 years of marriage; two step-children, Magdalena MacDonald-Baird and Zachary MacDonald-Baird, both of Edgartown; his two brothers, Michael Smith of Edgartown and Stephen Smith of Mattapoisett; two sisters, Patricia Carpenter and Susan Jones, both of Homasassa, Fla., and many nieces and nephews and extended family.
His funeral service will be held at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs at noon on Thursday, August 1. Interment in the New Westside cemetery will follow. Visiting hours are on Wednesday evening, July 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home.
Frederick J. McCarthy
Was Military Veteran
Frederick J. McCarthy died on Tuesday, July 16 at his home in Oak Bluffs. He was 74. He was the husband of Shirley M. (Perry) McCarthy.
Mr. McCarthy was born on August 31, 1927 in Brockton to the late Edward and Cynthia (Bosmos) McCarthy. He attended Brockton schools and joined the United States Navy at the age of 17. After World War II, he was in the naval reserves for an additional two years before enlisting in the Air Force. He retired from the Air Force on Nov. 1, 1969 and moved with his family to Martha's Vineyard in 1970. He worked for many years as a finish carpenter. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #257.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Susan L. Knight of North Carolina, Stephen M. McCarthy of West Tisbury, Tonia M. McCarthy of Edgartown, John S. McCarthy, a U.S. Marine stationed in North Carolina, Chrissy L. McCarthy of Oak Bluffs, Charley J. McCarthy of Oak Bluffs, Carol M. Olcott of Vineyard Haven and Harry P. Grow of Florida; also 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
His funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine's Church, Vineyard Haven at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20. Military honors will be offered by the veterans of Martha's Vineyard. A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 22, at the National cemetery in Bourne. Donations may be made to Vineyard Nursing Association Inc., P.O. Box 2568, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
Marc E. Widdiss, 54
Was Leader of Town, Tribe
Marc Edward Widdiss of Aquinnah died Monday evening, June 17, with his wife at his bedside, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston after a three-year battle with leukemia. He was 54.
Marc was born Jan. 7, 1948 in Boston, the son of Gladys Malonson of Aquinnah and the late Leonard D. Widdiss. He was raised in Wayland and was graduated from the Wayland High School and shortly thereafter moved to the Vineyard, where he has resided since.
Marc was a carpenter for John Early Construction for many years. Marc was a former Aquinnah selectman, held various other positions on town boards and was a member of the Massachusetts State Democratic Committee. A Native American of the Wampanoag Indian Tribe, he served on the tribal council. He was a volunteer fireman for the Gay Head Fire Department and a member of the Martha's Vineyard Commission.
Marc was a devoted motorcyclist and belonged to the Martha's Vineyard Harley Riders. He enjoyed fishing and was a remarkable bowler at the former Spinnaker Bowling Lanes. He was also an avid race car fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR and Formula One racing events with his friend, Steve Schwab, even if they were held at two o'clock in the morning. Marc was noted for his collection of golf balls he kept in his basement that number into the thousands, and with all those golf balls, he never achieved the scores that he longed for.
He is survived by his wife of seven years, Beverly Laincz of Aquinnah; his mother; a sister, Dawn Lopes, and her husband, Dr. Joel Lopes of Natick; two brothers, Donald Widdiss of Chilmark and Carl Widdiss of Aquinnah; two uncles, Chief of the Wampanoag Tribe, Donald Malonson of Aquinnah and Henry Widdiss of Milton, and two nephews, Jason and Heath Widdiss.
A graveside service will be held in the Gay Head cemetery on June 29 at 2 p.m. officiated by the Rev. Roger Spinney. There will be a gathering after at the Gay Head Cliffs. Donations may be made in his memory to the Visiting Nurse Asociation, P.O. Box 2568, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or to the Gay Head Community Baptist Church, Church Street, Aquinnah 02535. Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.
Mary-Elizabeth Lindsay
Was Active in Civic Work
Mary-Elizabeth Hart Lindsay died Tuesday, June 19, at Great Barrington Health Care Center, Great Barrington, following a brief illness.
She was born in Westwood, N.J., Oct. 27, 1906, the daughter of Wilkinson and Katherine Van Leuven Hart. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Stuart Lindsay; her sisters, Amy H. Willenbucher, Harriet H. Sutton, Eileen H. Shafer, Dorothy Bispham and Alice G.B. Thurnall, and her granddaughter, Lynne G. Shakshober.
Prior to moving to this area, she had lived for many years in Westwood and Woodcliff Lake, N.J., making her permanent home in Edgartown in 1970.
She was educated in schools in Martinique, French West Indies, where her father, an importer, was also with the American Consulate during World War I, and in Barbados, British West Indies, her father's boyhood home at Ashford, St. John's Parish. After graduating from Westwood High School, she attended business school in New York and was employed at Chase National Bank there before becoming a homemaker.
She was president of the Woman's Club of Westwood and was active in church work there and in Edgartown. She also volunteered for the American Cancer Society and at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Edgartown.
Surviving are two daughters, Patricia and her husband, John Shakshober of Boston Corner, N.Y., and Sandra and her husband, C. Warren Ormerod of Malvern, Pa.; eight grandchildren, Caryl Shakshober of Delmar, N.Y., Susan Shakshober and her husband, David Reeder, of Arlington, Tex., Stuart and his wife, Marta Shakshober, of Churchtown, N.Y., Patricia and her husband, John Mac Arthur, of Boston Corner, N.Y., D. John Shakshober and his wife, Colleen, of Townsend, Alayne J. Ormerod of Champaign, Ill., Catherine Ormerod and her husband, Ross Cherry of Gynedd Valley, Pa., and Lisa Ormerod of Philadelphia, Pa.; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A private family funeral will be held Saturday, June 29, at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Copake Falls, N.Y. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Rita Lindberg, 79
Was Veteran of World War II
Rita (Abdella) Lindberg, 79, of Oak Bluffs died Wednesday, June 26, at home at Woodside Village.
She was born on Jan. 2, 1923 in Worcester as one of eight children of Joseph Abdella and Mary Sleliam.
She grew up in Worcester and attended the Salters Secretarial School. In August 1943 she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as one of the first women allowed to serve during World War II. She was discharged as a sergeant in November 1945.
She returned to Framingham for 20 years and worked for then Bell Telephone Company as an operator and for the Ford Motor Company in Natick as an administrative assistant. For the next five years she lived in Hopkington and retired from the Army Research Laboratory in Natick.
In 1984 she and her husband, Arthur I. Lindberg, married
for 52 years when he predeceased her in June 2000, retired full-time to Martha's Vineyard. She was a devoted Catholic and supporter of St. Elizabeth's Church in Edgartown.
She was an avid reader and very interested in politics. She volunteered her time for various local campaigns and enjoyed being with her family.
She is survived by her two sons, Arthur P. Lindberg of Shrewsbury and Stephen F. Lindberg of Auburn; a sister, Martha Bates of Worcester; her brother, Vincent Abdella of Grafton and Florida; seven grandchildren, Stephen, Sean, Kristen, Alison, Joseph, Mary and Christina, and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. There will be visiting hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, in the O'Connor Funeral Home in Worcester. Her funeral will be held at 8:30 a.m. from the O'Connor Funeral Home on Monday, July 1, and the Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, Auburn. A private interment will follow in All Faith cemetery, Worcester. Donations may be made in her memory to Martha's Vineyard Community Services Inc., P.O. Box 369, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
Elizabeth M. Ellis
Was Skilled, Avid Gardener
Elizabeth M. Ellis, 79, a clinical psychologist who practiced in Washington, D.C., until retiring about five years ago, died June 1 at Washington Hospital Center of complications after a stroke. She was for many years a summer visitor to the Vineyard.
Mrs. Ellis, a resident of Washington, was born in Milwaukee. She was graduated from the University of Chicago, receiving a master's degree in psychology from George Washington University and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Maryland.
From the 1970s until she retired, she had a private practice in clinical psychology, and was affiliated with the Community Psychiatric Clinic in Bethesda.
Her first marriage, to Walter Ellis, ended in divorce. She was married
to Daniel M. Friedman in 1975, and soon after the couple purchased a house on Turkeyland Cove of the Edgartown Great Pond, where they spent increasingly longer periods each summer. In the last few years before her stroke in December of 1997, they spent three to four months there every summer.
Mrs. Ellis was a skilled and avid gardener, and an enthusiastic birder. She loved and cultivated flowers, and also grew a wide variety of herbs. She frequently went on bird walks and always kept a bird feeder on the property.
She is survived by her husband, Judge Daniel M. Friedman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, of Washington; four children from her first marriage, Buffy Ellis of Bethesda, Jonathan Ellis and Benjamin Ellis of New York, and Nancy Ellis of Dayton, Ore., and nine grandchildren.
Deborah Alden Munson
Was Native of Oak Bluffs
Deborah Alden Munson of Falmouth died Thursday, July 11, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston. She was 58.
She was born on Feb. 14, 1944 in Oak Bluffs, the daughter of William T. and Natalie C. (Chipman) Munson of Falmouth.
Deborah was an accountant for Sweats T-shirt Shop and for Atlantic Traders on the island. She was the baker for Bean and Cod Gourmet Deli Store in Falmouth.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by a brother, William Munson, and his wife, Heather, of Oak Bluffs; a niece, Megan Chipman Munson, and a nephew, William Peakes Munson.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, July 18, in St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Falmouth. A graveside service for will be held on Sept. 26 in the Oak Grove cemetery, Vineyard Haven, at a time to be announced. Donations may be made in her memory to Friends of Falmouth Dogs, P.O. Box 438, Falmouth, MA 02541-0438. Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.
