Anne Sharlun DeBettencourt, 80, of Oak Bluffs, went home to Jesus, surrounded by family and friends, on Jan. 10, 2026.
Anne was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her hard-working spirit, generous heart, and adventurous nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Above all, she was a deeply loving and caring person with an unfailing desire to serve others. Anne’s love for Jesus was evident every day, guiding her actions and decisions throughout her life.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Andrew Theodore Sharlun and Vivian Victoria (Olson), Anne learned the value of caring for and serving others from her parents. After a few years in Brooklyn, the family moved to Hempstead. After two years of heart trouble resulting from a childhood illness, her father Andrew passed away of heart failure on New Year’s Eve when she was 11. This was heartbreaking for Anne, as she was very close to her father. He had loved to read and shared that love with Anne. Eventually, her family moved to Patchogue, where she attended Patchogue High School, graduating in 1963, and later pursued higher education at Buffalo State University, where she earned her B.S. in education in 1967. Anne furthered her studies at New York University, obtaining her masters in education. Her dedication to education was seen in her career as a teacher at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
Anne was not just a dedicated educator; she was also an entrepreneur with a sense of service. She helped start and run five businesses on Martha’s Vineyard, the most recent and long-lasting being DeBettencourt’s Bike Shop. Later, she also was a Creative Memories and Ecoquest consultant. Her business ventures were not just for economic gain, but served as ministries and ways to connect with people.
Anne was preceded in death by her brother, Albert Sharlun, and stepson, Keith DeBettencourt. She is survived by her ex-husband, Lawrence DeBettencourt, and their daughters, Laura Irby and Leslie DeBettencourt; son-in-law, Seth Irby; grandchildren, Vivian, Ezra, Silas, and Dorothy Irby, and Chloe DeBettencourt; her stepdaughter Kim Enos, and her sisters, Dorothy Breslin and Virginia Lewin.
Her life will be celebrated on Martha’s Vineyard and in New York in early June, with detailed arrangements to be provided at a later date.
Anne’s legacy is of a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, and one of love, generosity, and service, epitomizing the values she held dear. Her life was a testament to her faith and her dedication to serving others. She was always hosting people in her home, from women’s Bible studies to Christmas Eve and birthday parties, to scrapbooking events, and everything in between, and was very involved with her church. Whether it was a helping hand or a listening ear, she was always quick to fill a need, and her heart for people was evident. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
One of her favorite Bible verses was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Through joys and sorrows, Anne trusted in her Lord Jesus, and it was by his grace and love for her that she persevered.
In remembering Anne, let us remember God’s love for her and her walk with Jesus, her service to her church and community, and her unwavering love for her family. Her faith and life will continue to inspire us, and her memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.
