Obituary : Elizabeth M. Alley
Published: November 19, 2009
Elizabeth M. Alley was born March 12, 1912, in Oak Bluffs, on the family farm on Norris Avenue, to Frank and Mary Combra Madeiras. She was the 9th of 11 children. She graduated from the Oak Bluffs High School in 1929. After high school she attended Bay Path Institute in Springfield, where she graduated in 1931, after receiving numerous awards for her secretarial and typing skills.
When she returned to the Island, she worked for Harry Perlstein at his law office in Vineyard Haven until her marriage to George Alley.
After their sons Dennis and Kerry were born, she worked more than 25 years for the Town of Oak Bluffs in the tax collector's office, and also for the Dukes County Extension Service.
When she retired she enjoyed spending time with and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her home was always the center of family activity. Each Saturday and Sunday morning her extended family, which included not only relatives, but many friends, would gather for a "Bumma Breakfast." She was fondly called Aunt Bette, Bumma, or Ma by many generations of Oak Bluffs residents.
At age 97 she still hosted her annual Easter Egg hunt this past April at her home on Vineyard Avenue and looked forward to the hundreds of trick-or-treaters who called on her each Halloween.
The last few years of her life were enhanced by the loving care given to her by her many family members and main caretakers including her granddaughter Kati Alley and great-granddaughter Talia Rogers. This allowed her to remain in her own home - her dearest wish. The family wants to sincerely thank all those who made this possible by their care.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Dennis and Megan Alley, and Kerry and Patricia Alley, six grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 11 am in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs. Visiting hours in the Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Home, located on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs, will begin at 9 am prior to the Mass. Donations may be made in her memory to the Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 399, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.
