Doreena F. Brouillette of Vineyard Haven died unexpectedly but peacefully at home Christmas morning. She was 84.
Born Doreena F. King on August 6,1930, in New Bedford, she attended school on-Island and graduated from the Tisbury High School in the class of 1949. After a first marriage with two children, she married Milton J. Brouillette from New Bedford and had a son before settling on Martha’s Vineyard in late 1959.
When she was young she spent her days running and playing around Alley’s Store with her sister Libby. Her father worked just up the street as a mechanic in the building which is now Up-Island Auto. One of her first jobs was babysitting for actor James Cagney’s children, and she helped her mother clean houses. Her favorite jobs were secretary for Takemmy Laundry and driving a cab for Bob and Ernestine Kinnecom (Marlene’s Taxi), where she was known as “Sarge” and “Mrs. B” to her special children.
She continued at Marlene’s Taxi with Ruth and Doug Siple until a brief illness slowed her down. She then worked at Calico Sue’s during the Beanie Baby craze.
Her favorite thing to do was to go on cruises with David and Denise. She made many lifelong friends during her stay with us. Family and friends cherished every moment spent with her. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Milton. She is survived by Sandra, David, William, Denise, Jim, also three grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and “the Boys.”
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to one’s favorite Island charity, and asks people to become organ donors and give blood. A graveside service will be held at noon, Monday, Feb. 9, at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Tisbury. Please gather at the corner of State Road and Pine Tree Road.
