Town Column : Oak Bluffs
By Megan Alley
Published: May 15, 2008
We have had to say goodbye to many good people this spring, and now so many of us are mourning the passing of Lois DeBettencourt, who died last week. Lois was an amazing woman who faced many losses during her life with grace and courage. First when her husband John died suddenly at a very young age, leaving her with three young sons and more recently a few years ago, when her middle son Peter suddenly died, he too leaving two young children. Through it all, Lois persevered. Throughout her life she raised these children, involved herself in their many activities, worked tirelessly for young people through her school involvement and her church and then with the town. We send our sympathies to her family and friends and hope they will take some comfort in the legacy of her works with all of the young people she touched.
Sympathies also to the family of Paul Bergeron. Paul was widely known as a fisherman and sportsman and leaves a very large family of Island residents including his sister Tricia, brothers Peter and Patrick, his devoted friend Susie Madeiras and her children and many other close family members both on and off Island. We are so very sorry.
Kay Manning welcomed a new great granddaughter with the birth of Isabella Joan Cobb, the daughter of Kelley and Ryan Cobb and granddaughter of Kay's daughter Joan and her husband Wayne Cobb of Bridgewater. Especially pleased with this newest addition to the family is Isabella's big sister Taylor DeRubeis.
Olivia Law-Butler and Nick Butler are celebrating the birth of a daughter Delilah on April 14. Delilah was born in Falmouth Hospital and she and her parents went to see her great-great grandfather Robert Burkcaw in Bartlett, N.H. and her great-grandmother Dorothy Benoit in Somerset last week. Her proud Island grandparents are Jack and Pat Law of Oak Bluffs.
The Oak Bluffs Library, in conjunction with the annual celebration of Della Hardman Day on Saturday, July 26, is sponsoring a photography contest to select 14 images featuring Martha's Vineyard that reflect Della Hardman's legacy theme, "Savor the moment." The winning entries will be published in the Oak Bluffs Public Library Calendar for 2009. Please contact the library by phone at 508-693-9433 or visit the library's website at oakbluffslibrary.org for more information.
Fred Hall Jr. had a wonderful surprise birthday present from his wife Helene when she arranged for them both to enjoy game seven of the Celtics' playoff series against the Hawks. The celebration included an overnight stay in Boston, dinner in the North End as well as the game. Special thanks to mother-in-law Ginny Hall for her care in helping out with their son Skylar. The Halls are also celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary on May 15.
Helen's daughter, Jillian Sedlier, and Jillian's good friend Heather White received third place in the Linguini Bridge contest at the High School.
Sorry for the briefness of this column, but after undergoing rotator cuff surgery last Thursday, I am finding out how really difficult it is to type with "one and one/half" hands. At least that is what it feels like at this time. I have been the recipient of many acts of random kindness from my daughters Mary and Kati, daughter-in-law Deborah who came from South Carolina with her daughter Paige to help out also and my many friends who are all giving me boosts and assistance when needed. How blessed am I.
We send birthday smiles to Andrew Farrissey, Louis Dahil, and Heidi Jardin on May 18, Bob Kinnecom and Keith Crossland on May 20 and twins Jaime and John Pachico who also share that date. Annette Moreis celebrates on May 21 and Doreen Anderson on May 22.
Remember that the override vote is on May 28 from noon until 7 pm.
Enjoy your week and send your news along.
Peace.
