Geraldyne Grace DeBettencourt of Oak Bluffs died on December 19, 2010 at the Cape Heritage Nursing Home in Sandwich.
She was worn on February 7, 1931, in Ok Bluffs to Marion Pacheco DeBettencourt and John A. DeBettencourt Sr. Her family surviving her are her sister Ruth D. Metell of Oak Bluffs, her brother Richard J. DeBettencourt of Oak Bluffs, her sister Gaynell E. Downs of South Hadley, and her sister Brenda Frederick of Fitchburg.
She was predeceased by her sister Violet Rego, and brothers John A. Debettencourt Jr. and Melvin DeBettencourt of Oak Bluffs. Many nieces and nephews also survive her.
Gerry, as she was known, served the town of Oak Bluffs as the first female Selectman and also as Park Commissioner, with devotion. She was well known for her Coffee Shop, which she began at the early age of 18. This was an accomplishment admired by many.
Gerry was her own personality who believed in family, faith, hard work, independence and her community with sincere compassion.
It was difficult for Gerry not being in her home or even on the Island, the last few years.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on December 23, 2010, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church officiated by Reverend Michael Nagle. Interment followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
