Jerry Davies Millett, 80, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and West Tisbury, died on April 5, 2019, in Port St. Lucie from a heart attack. Jerry had a longstanding history of cardiac issues. Thankfully, Jerry maintained an active life until his passing. At the time of his death, his youngest son, J. Davies Millett, was living with him in Florida.

Jerry was born in Newton to Stella Mayhew Davies Millett and James Millett. As a young boy, he spent his time in Needham, and the family property of Glimmerglass, off Middle Road, in West Tisbury. As a young man, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and raising prize poultry on the Island. During his summers at Glimmerglass, Jerry worked for Louis Greene at Hillside Farm, the Fishers at Flat Point Farm, and the Fergusons at Arrowhead Farm, Indian Hill, and Everett Poole of Menemsha. His love of farming carried over into his adult life, as he proudly produced the earliest tomatoes in Framingham. He played softball every Sunday in Mrs. Toomey’s field in Chilmark, and enjoyed a wide circle of friends. He loved fishing, beach parties, card-playing (especially poker, bridge, and cribbage), and the usual summer activities on the Vineyard. Jerry’s college and summer friends included Dan Cabot, now of West Tisbury, a frequent visitor at Glimmerglass, where Dan met, fell in love with, and married Jerry’s cousin, Nancy Pardy. Jerry was best man at their wedding.

Following his graduation from Needham High, Jerry attended Northeastern University, where he majored in industrial engineering. Upon graduation, Jerry was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. While he was planning to complete his officer training and continue in the reserves, Jerry was called to active duty in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis. During his seven-year military career, he was stationed in Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Stewart, Ga., Orleans, France, and Vietnam. While he enjoyed his military career, he decided to leave the service and raise his three boys following a yearlong tour in Vietnam. For his Vietnam service, he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service during combat operations. Jerry was honorably discharged as captain, and started his civilian career as IT program manager for the Honeywell Corp. Using the GI Bill, he attended Babson College and received a master’s in business administration. Jerry retired from Honeywell and enjoyed over 35 years of retirement on the Vineyard and in Florida.

He married Elsie Johnstone Kingsbury of Tisbury in 1962, and raised three boys, Samuel Kingsbury Millett, Craig James Millett, and his namesake, Jerry Davies Millett II. Jerry and Elsie’s marriage ended in divorce in 1981. Jerry remarried Linda Millett in 1983, and Linda preceded him in death by three years.

Jerry was everyone’s best friend. Several of his Needham High School buddies visited him in Florida, and moved there in retirement to be near him and continue the weekly poker games they had enjoyed as young men. Jerry was a man of high intelligence and leadership skills, and made friends easily. Throughout his life he was an extraordinarily lucky man. If a door prize was given at an event, Jerry won it. If he had bought a lottery ticket, he would probably have won that as well. Jerry will be missed.

Survivors include his sons, U.S. Army Colonel (ret.) Samuel Kingsbury Millett of Missoula, Mont., Craig James and his wife Lissa Millett of Marblehead, and J. Davies Millett of Tisbury. Jerry was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Jenny Paola, Matt, Will, Tatiana, Bo, Dewey, and Angie Marcela. Jerry is survived by his sister, Susan Millett Boass, and cousins Judy Pardy Bryant, Nancy Pardy Cabot, and Ann Mathewson Howes, who still reside in West Tisbury, as well as a plethora of nieces and nephews from Glimmerglass.

There will be a celebration Jerry’s life in late summer, with an event at Glimmerglass with his many friends and relatives. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial donations be provided to the West Tisbury Library Foundation, P.O. Box 1238, West Tisbury MA 02575.

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A service for Thomas Rogers, a.k.a. “Floggy,” 83, who died on April 19, 2019, will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 1:15 pm; please arrive by 1 pm.

There will be a celebration of Tommy’s life, at a later date to be announced, for family and friends. He was the father of Whitney Anne Rogers and Thomas (“Boise”) Rogers. Any donations may be sent to the Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539, in loving memory of Thomas Rogers.

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Anita E. Combra, 98, of Oak Bluffs died on Sunday evening, April 28, 2019, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

She was predeceased by her husband Philip R. Combra. She was the mother of Philip R. Combra Jr. (Gerta), Bradford P. Combra, Josephine M. Lambert (Donald), and Gail Landers.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Massasoit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, on Friday, May 3, at 11 am, followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs. A reception will be held at the P.A. Club.

A complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.

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Janice Marilyn (Hanna) Meade died peacefully at her home on Feb. 2, 2019. She was 78 years old.

The daughter of Norman F. Hanna and Mary Agnes Champney Hanna, Janice was born on Sept. 16, 1940, in Natick, the second youngest of six. A 1958 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Waltham, Janice went on to attend Fitchburg State College. She enjoyed music and dance and helping out in the family diner, the Dairy Belle.

Janice and her husband, Bill, lived on Martha’s Vineyard, where she gave birth to their two daughters, Cindy and Nicki. Their oldest, Peter, was happy to welcome his new sisters into the family. They then moved to Sudbury, when Bill was invited to establish a special education program at Lexington High School. They remained in Sudbury until Bill’s retirement in 2000, and then moved to Bradenton, Fla., whence they traveled extensively throughout Europe and Hong Kong.

Janice was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, William John Meade Jr. She is survived by her sister, Diane Hanna of Natick, her brothers, James Hanna of Scituate and Daniel Hanna of West Tisbury. She also leaves behind her children, Peter Meade and wife Linda of Richmond, Va., Sydni Meade of Ellenton, Fla., and Nicki Meade Draves and husband Chris, of Brockton; her grandchildren Matthew Meade and wife Nellie, of Boston, Erin Meade of Boston, Michael Meade of Richmond, and Hannah Draves of Brockton. She is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Janice will be remembered for her sense of humor, which she maintained through her last days, and her kindness, sweetness, and devotion to her children and grandchildren, who will miss her horribly.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a funeral Mass for both Janice and Bill at St. Patrick Church, 44 East Central St. (Route 135), Natick, on May 10 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick.

Donations in their memories may be made to the Merritt Island Wildlife Association, the nonprofit that supports the efforts of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Checks may be mailed to P.O. Box 2683, Titusville, FL 32781. Please indicate “In memory of Janice and Bill Meade” when sending donations. For direction or to sign guestbook, please visit everettfuneral.com.

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A memorial service for Jennifer Gardner will be held at the New Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury on Saturday, May 18, at 2 pm. A potluck meal will follow. Culinary contributions will be greatly appreciated.

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Joseph G. Parham Jr. (“Chuck”), of Lakewood, Colo., and Oak Bluffs, died peacefully from this life at 11:33 am on Friday, March 22, 2019, at his home in Lakewood, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was 69 years old.

Born in Boston on August 4, 1949, Joe spent his formative years in West Medford. After graduating from Medford High School, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree and MBA at Babson College.

Joe had a passion for life, and lived it to the fullest. He loved to spend quality time with family, enjoyed traveling, and would often partake in ski trips with friends. His affinity for Martha’s Vineyard never waned, and he always looked forward to visiting the Island. Joe was also an avid music enthusiast and jazz aficionado. He enjoyed listening to live music as well as recorded performances.

As a corporate executive, Joe served as chief human resources officer and vice-president of Asbury Automotive Group; senior vice-president, human resources, of Atlanta-based Acuity Brands; and senior vice-president, human resources, of Polaroid Corp. Additionally, he was an active member on several boards of directors.

Joe was the consummate people person. He possessed an outgoing personality, and his quick wit and great sense of humor were instrumental in his ability to develop lasting friendships throughout life. He will be sorely missed.

Joseph was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice (Gamble) Parham-Hammonds, and father, Joseph G. Parham Sr. He is survived by his loving wife, Lou (Donna) Parham of Lakewood; daughter Jenna Parham, and son Joseph Parham III of Atlanta, Ga.; lifelong friend and mother to his children Jennifer Parham of Atlanta, Ga.; devoted sister Joanne Parham of Yorktown, Va.; sister Deirdre Hammonds of Providence, R.I.; and brother Kevin Parham and wife Olivia Parham of Plymouth. He is also survived by six nieces and 10 nephews; five grandchildren; one grandnephew; and a host of relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the National Brain Tumor Society.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at the Tabernacle at the Campground on June 1 at 12 noon.

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Barbara Cottle Child died peacefully on March 3, 2019, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law in Memphis, Tenn.

Barbara was born on Oct. 27, 1925, in Winchester to Lemyra West Cottle and Fred Raymond Cottle. She grew up in Lambert’s Cove, and graduated from Tisbury High School in 1941. Barbara attended Vesper George School of Art, graduating in 1942. Upon graduation, she returned to Martha’s Vineyard, where she worked for Van Riper’s Ship Model and Mosher Photo, where she met Edward Child. Barbara and Ed were married at the Lambert’s Cove Church on June 23, 1946.

Barbara and her husband moved to Troy, N.Y., while Ed attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Upon Ed’s graduation, they purchased a farm in Westfield, and farmed for several years before returning to Barbara’s beloved Lambert’s Cove, where they raised their three sons.

Barbara loved her community, and was an active member of the D.A.R., Martha’s Vineyard Antiques Club, and Martha’s Vineyard Doll Club, and was secretary for the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services board of directors. Barbara was an original member of the West Tisbury planning board. She also worked for Greene’s Hillside Farm and Florist as a floral designer, as well as Bunch of Grapes bookstore. After her retirement, she continued working for Joan Merry, designing and arranging wedding flowers, which she enjoyed well into her 80s.

Barbara returned to school in her 70s, earning an associate’s degree in psychology while working for United Way of Hartford.

Barbara and Ed spent over 30 years as volunteers for the American Red Cross. Ed drove an emergency response vehicle during the aftermath of 9/11, with Barbara working alongside him. Their missions included trips to Puerto Rico and Tennessee, helping with the aftermath of natural disasters. She and Ed drove their camper on four pleasure trips to Alaska. They traveled to France as well. They both enjoyed the adventure of travel and the opportunity to meet new people. Barbara’s greatest love, however, remained her beloved Lambert’s Cove, where she spent her childhood and adulthood monitoring the water, flora, and fauna.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Edward S. Child; her brother, Edmund C. Cottle; and her sister, Jane Cottle Baker. She leaves behind her three sons, Henry T. (“Hal”) Child, Clinton R. Child, and Kenneth T. Child; her daughters-in-law, Karen J. Child and Tanya Child; her grandchildren, Brandon West Child, Morgan Child, Jesse Child, Bess Child, Carissa Child, and Hayden Child; ane her great-grandchildren Aiden, Mason, and Camilla Child.

A graveside service will take place at Lambert’s Cove Cemetery on Saturday, May 18, at 1 pm, followed by a reception for family and friends at the home of Ken Child on Holmes Hole Mail Rd. in West Tisbury.

Donations may be made in her memory to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Rd., or Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, both in Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

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Steven (“Brooks”) Chaffee of Boston died on Friday, April 19, 2019.

Born March 2, 1979, in Providence, R.I., he lived in Tiverton, and for many years in Barrington, R.I., and summered in Edgartown. He was an automobile enthusiast, avid hiker, mountain bicyclist, and outdoorsman. He graduated from Woodhall School in Connecticut and Colby Sawyer College in New Hampshire.

Despite his personal struggles, Brooks had a big heart and loved seeking adventure. He loved the sea and ponds of Martha’s Vineyard and the native culture of the Island. He spent many summers working at Adam Cab and Wheel Happy Bike Shop. He enjoyed kayaking and shellfishing in the tranquil waters, sailing Optis, Lasers, and 420s through the Edgartown Yacht Club as a child, and hiking through the sunlit forests and trails of his native home.

He is survived by a loving mother and father, Steven and Sandy; three brothers, Brad, Peter (Jessica), and Ben (Alex), as well as a niece, Hannah. He is also survived by two beloved grandmothers, Anita Hawkins and Dorothy Chaffee, as well as many aunts, uncles, and extended family. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Henry Chaffee and George Hawkins Sr., and a grandmother, Mary Stearns Chaffee.

His final journey will bring him back home to Edgartown, where burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at the Edgartown Yacht Club on Saturday, June 1, from 12 to 2.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NAMI Masasachusetts online via namimass.org, with Steven Brooks Chaffee under the memorial option, or NAMI Massachusetts, 529 Main St., Suite 1M17, Boston, MA 02129.

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Lisa M. White died on April 15, 2019, at her home in Edgartown, surrounded by her family, after an 18-month hard-fought battle with cancer. She was 59 years old.

Lisa was born at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Jan. 19, 1960, and was the child of Albert A. White and the late Wilda J. White. She grew up in Edgartown with her three best friends, her sisters Debra Scott, Shauna White-Smith, and Toni White-Hanover. The “sisters,” as they are collectively referred to, were a package deal. They were involved in every aspect of one another’s lives. Lisa spent her early years surrounded by a slew of Norton, White, and Conroy cousins, aunts, and uncles, centered around long beach days out at Oyster Pond and endless cookouts. She would often say she had the best childhood, filled with such wonderful and fond memories. She graduated from the Edgartown Elementary School, and then from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

Lisa met Donny Morway 29 years ago on the Vineyard, and they built an amazing life together. They spent their days together traveling, gardening, shopping (Donny was a good sport), and building the most beautiful yard and home. Donny always had fresh flowers on Lisa’s table, and she filled the house with the smell of her delicious cooking and fresh blueberry muffins every Sunday morning. They were married on New Year’s Eve in 2017, in a beautiful ceremony with her children and her dad present. They threw a surprise reception the next day for the rest of their family and friends — Lisa always loved a good party! Keeping the surprise from her sisters was a feat like no other!

In 1980 Lisa had her first child, Michael Snowden II, followed by her daughter, Natasha Snowden-Cornock, three years later. While the kids were growing up, Lisa worked in real estate. This allowed her the flexibility to cart her two kids all over the Island for their sporting events, and gave her the opportunity to be at every single game. Her children were her greatest achievement, and she relished being surrounded by them and their growing families.

After her kids graduated from high school, Lisa got her dream job in Boston as an event planner for a pharmaceutical company. This gave her the opportunity to dress up every single day, which she loved, and to travel all over the world, including living in Switzerland for a stint in the most amazing flat above a delicious pastry shop, overlooking a beautiful lake. Lisa was extremely social, loved people, and absolutely loved her job. She had the best boss and co-workers at Shire Pharmaceuticals, and was so sad when her illness prevented her from returning.

Lisa’s most treasured role in her life was being a Mimi to her five grandchildren, Harley, Brynn, Asher, Sloan, and Myles. She loved watching her babies have babies, and lived for seeing those kids. Saying she spoiled them would be an understatement. She was always thinking of the next holiday and birthday, and how she could make it special for each child.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Donald V. Morway of Edgartown; her dad, Albert A. White of Edgartown; her children, Michael Snowden II (Allison Fisher) and Natasha Snowden-Cornock (Bryan Cornock), all of Edgartown; her sisters Debra Scott (Thomas), Shauna White-Smith (Mark), and Toni White-Hanover (Marc); her grandchildren Harley Snowden, Brynn Savva, Asher Savva, Sloan Snowden and Myles Snowden-Cornock; her nieces and nephews Christopher Scott (her godson), Timothy Scott, Jaime Schwab, Samantha Billings, Tony Lima, Brandon Smith, and Lindsay Hopkins; along with many amazing cousins, aunts and uncles, great-nieces and -nephews, and a wonderful community of friends in Natick and Martha’s Vineyard.

Her funeral service was held on Saturday, April 27.

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William E. Carroll Jr. (“Bill”), 83, of Edgartown died on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Henrietta Brewer House. He was the husband of Leslie (Look) Carroll.

A visitation period will be held in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, on Tuesday, May 14, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. His funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine’s Church, Franklin Street, Vineyard Haven, at 11 am, also on May 14. Burial will follow in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinsons Road, in Edgartown, with military honors provided by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, P.O. Box 2214, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or to a charity of one’s choice. A complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper.

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Alita M. Prada died on Sunday, April 28, following an illness.
Alita was born on May 13, 1934, to John and Alita Averil-Moriarty, and raised in Northampton. She married Raymond T. Prada Jr. in September 1952, and they lived in Edgartown until the mid-’60s, when they and their sons moved to Maine, where the couple owned and ran several businesses until they retired.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Prada, and by her grandchildren. Alita was predeceased by her two sons, Ronald and Alden (Denny) Prada.
A funeral Mass was held on May 3 at Our Lady of the Snow Church in Bethel, Maine.

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Lily Paula Godek died on April 24, 2019. She was 88.

She was born Lily Paula Kryla on Jan. 5, 1931, to Lillian S. and Stanley F. Kryla in Central Falls, R.I. She graduated from Central Falls High School, and then worked with her parents and brother at their family restaurant, Stanley’s, as a counter girl serving their “famous burgers.”

As a young girl, she would spend summers with her beloved grandmother in Harmony, R.I., at her travelers’ lodge. Lily kept busy swimming, sketching the summer scenery, and helping out with the guests, the cottages, the rowboats, and helping to serve dinners her grandmother prepared nightly.

As a member of both the R.I. Speed Skating and Cycling Clubs, her awards included medals and trophies in cycling and skating in short-track competitions. She would train from Providence to Boston and back on her racing bicycle, drafting with the gang behind tractor-trailer trucks on Route 1. Lily was a force to be reckoned with. When Harmony Lake froze, she would train and listen to the crackling ice behind her where it was too thin to support the weight. No fear, she flew past, defying the limits! She won in the Nationals at cycling.

Miss Magee was Lily’s mentor, who taught her etiquette and how to be a lady. She excelled at being classy, yet she was definitely a fiery woman too!

Lily met Walter Godek, the grill man at her parent’s restaurant. They married May 4, 1956, and moved to Cumberland, R.I. Melanie, Gretschen, and Kurt were born, and Lily was full of life. She enjoyed writing, painting, sculpting, sewing, and knitting everything under the sun. She started a bicycle club with all the kids in the neighborhood during the summertime. The winter months brought night skiing after supper with anyone brave enough to stay out in the cold until she was ready to come home. Lily even took up flying at North Central Airport, where she would head into the skies with Sabe, her instructor, and you could ride with her if you dared.

Her traveling experiences brought her to ancestral Poland, and she eventually visited 18 European countries by plane, train, and ship. She also loved going to Christiaans on the East Side of Providence to have her hair done, then over to Federal Hill for Italian food at Angelo’s. And shopping — Lily loved clothes and accessories, and couldn’t resist buying for herself and everyone else!

At one of her visits to the Kentucky Derby, she bet on Winning Colors and won.

The family moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., in 1974. Later on she continued to be a snowbird, but New England was always home.

Her oldest daughter Melanie came to the Vineyard in 1978, and Lily followed, sensing adventure. It was 1982 when Lily and Walter decided to open a hamburger joint like her parents’ place, and found a spot on Circuit Avenue at the Arcade building, with good food, a great breakfast, Walter and Kurt on the line in the kitchen, and the girls out front. Lily established the first nonsmoking restaurant, 10 years before the Massachusetts laws changed. In the meantime, she became a grandmother to Jasmine (great-grandmother to Makenna) and Zenon, who were running in and out of the restaurant with friends, gobbling up Stanley Burgers after playing in the Campground. Her favorite times at Stanley’s were when famous celebs and politicians would walk through the door and she could come out of the kitchen and talk up a storm and snap a pic with them. For 21 summers the ship stayed afloat, and everyone in check. Lily was a proud restaurateur with family at her side.

Her favorite team was the Red Sox. She watched from season opener to the last game, hoping to see her guys make it to the World Series again.

Lily often said, “I want to live to be 100,” and, “Every day is a gift, life is beautiful!” She was always looking forward to the next party, happy, smiling, and anticipating visitors. She loved her family dearly, and gave all she had. Lily will be gone from our world and so very sorely missed, but never forgotten. She is now “one with the Universe” … To all the wonderful people who helped shape Lily’s rich life, a heartfelt thank-you.

Mom, with all the great memories you generously sprinkled throughout our lives, we are forever grateful. Bye for now. We can see you cycling into the heavens to meet Dad up above … We LOVE you always, Melanie, Gretschen, Kurt, Jasmine, Zenon, and M.J.

And your favorite furry friends, Marley and Lucy, “give Grandma kisses!”

A celebration of life for Lily will be held in the summertime, and announced at a later date.

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Lt. Col. William E. Carroll Jr. (“Bill”) of Edgartown died on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Henrietta Brewer House. He was just shy of his 84 birthday.

Bill was born on May 18, 1935, in Vineyard Haven, the son of William E. Carroll Sr. and Alexandra (McLellan) Carroll. He graduated from the Tisbury High School in the class of 1953. He was also a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, class of 1957.

After graduation from the University of Massachusetts, Bill embarked on a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force. His career spanned many stops around the country, from Alaska to Florida to California, and several points in between. Along the way, he earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, and held several different aerospace engineering positions. He embraced the nomad life that the Air Force provided him, learning to snow-ski in Alaska and water-ski in Florida, becoming a rodeo fan in Wyoming, and a golfer in Ohio. Bill retired from the Air Force holding the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1984, and went on to a second career at Boeing, working mainly in missile defense until his retirement in 1999. In retirement, Bill enjoyed spending time sharing his grandchildren’s activities with them, volunteering with the American Legion, improving his golf game, and spending leisurely days on the Island with his wife Tarzie. Bill was a devout Catholic, and active parishioner of St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven.

He was married for 62 years to Leslie “Tarzie” (Look) Carroll. Bill was the father of William ‘Bill’ E. Carroll III (Laura) of Oak Park, Calif., and Patricia “Patsy” Bryant (Leon) and Susan Puka (John), both of Dayton, Ohio. He is survived by brother Michael Carroll and sisters Madeleine Carroll and Nancy Carroll, all of Vineyard Haven; and Christine Blanthorn of Pembroke Pines, Fla. Bill was predeceased by his brothers Thomas Carroll and Leigh Carroll, and sister Margaret Schultz. He leaves behind six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A visitation period will be held in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs on Tuesday, May 14, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. His funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine’s Church, Franklin Street, Vineyard Haven, at 11 am. Burial will follow in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinsons Road, in Edgartown, with military honors provided by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, P.O. Box 2214, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or to a charity of one’s choice. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.

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Lucy Lee Abbot, 73, of Oak Bluffs, died on May 1, 2019, in Oak Bluffs from cardiopulmonary arrest. A loving mother and grandmother, Lucy lived on the Island off and on for most of her life, returning to stay for the last 20 years.

Lucy was born on July 17, 1945, to Lucy Hart Abbot and Frank K. Abbot in Albemarle County, Va. Briefly in Texas with her parents in 1955, she then attended Woodbury High School, where she edited the yearbook, and was on student council and in the Drama and Language clubs. After a brief excursion to London in 1961, she graduated in 1963.

When she was very young, she saved up to buy a horse. Her grandfather, William H. Hart, who was called “Pop,” made a deal with her — that if she saved up half the money, he would put up the other half. By the time she had saved enough for a horse, she was a teenager. So she traded her money in for a car.

While living in Bethlehem, Conn., she enrolled in Shimer College, where she received her B.A. in education and history in 1966. She taught from 1966 to 1969 in Illinois and Maryland, and then worked at Texas Outward Bound from 1972 to ’74, where she directed logistics. After brief stints at Hampshire College and Monadnock Family Services, she was the owner of Little Lyford Pond Lodge with her then husband, Joel Frantzman, from 1978 to 1988. It was a rural lodge that lacked electricity, and Lucy is remembered by her siblings for sorting out the gas light fixtures in the 12 cabins and the spring-fed water system. She mourned the untimely death of her brother Kim in 1982.

Town manager of the town of Mount Desert in the early 1990s, she moved to Jerome, Ariz., where she was the town clerk in 1995 before coming back to the Vineyard in 1997. While living on the Vineyard, she helped her mother, Lucy (Bideau) Abbot, renovate her Campground cottage in Oak Bluffs. And she had two businesses here: Genny’s Garden, and Take a Seat.

Over the past 20 years, she worked as a paralegal with Rosemarie Haigazian and Sandy Kenney. She was working at her desk there the final two days of her life.

She loved to solve problems, and ran many different businesses. She was a good observer of human behavior, and her siblings recall her excellent ability to mimic accents, and her love of photography and crafts. She took photos of seabirds doing silly things, put lovely collages together for Advent calendars, made aprons and pillowcases with her photos on them, and even won a contest. Her nephew Jesse Abbot recalled that Lucy gave him confidence as an adolescent. She had a wide range of literary and film tastes — she knew her Coen brothers, Monty Python, and Aeschylus’ “Oresteia,” and she had a generous heart.

As an older sister, she was a surrogate mother to her brother Chris, who recalled her exceedingly generous, humorous, kind, and unfailing ethical sense. She taught Chris his first chords on guitar. She loved the climate of the American West, and traveled often with her son to national parks and historic sites, including trips to Dublin in Ireland and Petra in Jordan.

In the last years of her life she traveled often to Jerusalem to see her grandchildren, and helped raise her grandson Daniel Leo Frantzman. When her doctors told her she couldn’t fly again earlier this year, she thought of ways to travel the world by land and sea.

She will be deeply missed by her siblings, Genevieve H. Abbot, Christopher W. Abbot, and Martha G. Abbot; her brother-in-law, Philip Cordella; she is cherished by her daughter-in-law, Kasaey Damoza Frantzman, and her grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Seth J. Frantzman; and her grandchildren, Daniel Leo Frantzman and Amit Admasu Frantzman; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a remembrance of Lucy’s life in July for friends and family. Details will follow in another edition of this paper. Condolences to the family can be sent to P.O. Box 2550, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

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Arlene Louise Bodge, 80 years of age, of Peabody, died Wednesday, April 23, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Born on Feb. 4, 1939, at Lynn Hospital, she graduated in 1952 from Phillips Grammar School in Salem. After graduation, she played for the Red Hawks basketball team, which captured the city junior championships in 1953 and 1954. Arlene remained lifelong friends with all the members of the Red Hawks team.

Often called a perpetual student, Arlene attended many schools throughout her lifetime, including the Sisters of Charity Preparatory School, Salem Hospital School of Nursing, Newton Junior College, Boston University School of Nursing, and Andover Newton Theological School.

Arlene fell in love in with Martha’s Vineyard Island, and ended up purchasing Webb’s Camping Area in Oak Bluffs in 1971, which she and a business partner owned and operated for the next 34 years. Arlene had a deep appreciation for nature, particularly wild birds, trees, and the other local wildlife of the Island.

It was during these years that Arlene received her master’s of divinity and was ordained as a deacon and an elder by the United Methodist Church. In 1992 she was appointed to serve two churches on Martha’s Vineyard, the Chilmark Community Church and the Edgartown Whaling Church, which she did faithfully for 12 years. “I never planned on becoming a pastor,” Arlene had once observed. “I started at Andover Newton Theological School just for the love of learning. I never in my life thought I’d become a minister. But it fit like a glove.”

After retiring, Arlene moved off-Island to Brooksby Village in Peabody, where she continued her lifelong friendships and remained close with family.

She was predeceased by her mother, Ruth Camire; her stepfather, Raymond Camire; and her sister, Carol Parker. She is survived by a niece, Kathleen Shorten of Hudson, N.H., and a nephew, Russell Parker of Andover, Maine; as well as several great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

A memorial service will be held on May 29th at 11 am at the Chilmark Community Church, with a reception to follow.

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Dr. James A. Tuck of Vineyard Haven died unexpectedly on Friday afternoon, May 10, 2019, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was 78.

Jim was married to Lynn C. (Robins) Tuck, and was the father of James A. Tuck Jr., Michael J. Tuck, Robin L. Tuck, and Laura J. Tuck.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Newfoundland, Canada. Donations in his memory may be made to Pawssibilities, LLC; c/o Hilary Norcross, 198 Clark St., Gardner, MA 01440, to train a dog for an eligible person. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.

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Frederick W.J. Thifault (“Fred”) of Vineyard Haven died on Thursday, May 9, 2019. He was 90.

Fred was born in Chelmsford to Arthur J. Thifault and Ethel (Griffin) Thifault of Westford, the third of five children. The earliest years of his childhood were spent in Waltham, where he attended first grade before moving with his family to Marstons Mills. He was a well-liked and ambitious paperboy, initially delivering papers on foot along his six-mile route. After he saved enough money to afford a secondhand bike he was able to add enough new customers to his route to win a free trip to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox play. He often walked from Marstons Mills to Hyannis to attend the movies, a round trip of approximately 14 miles.

Fred was a veteran of both WWII, serving in the Navy, and the Korean War, serving in the Army. In 1945, at the age of 16, he left school to enlist in the Navy, where he served in the Pacific on the USS Astoria, a light cruiser making patrol runs in the Mariana Islands between Guam and Saipan. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1948, he enlisted in the Army, serving four years in Germany in the Border Patrol along the German/Czechoslovakian border.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to the Cape, where he married his first wife, Janet Frieh. They had two children, (Eugene) Mark Thifault and Nancy E. (Thifault) Andrade. Fred moved his new wife to the Vineyard, where he completed his high school education, graduating from Tisbury High School in 1954. He then attended the New England Institute of Mortuary Science, and graduated with a license as funeral director and embalmer in 1955. After working with his father-in-law, Eugene Frieh, for the next three years as a mortician at the Martha’s Vineyard Funeral Home, he decided to make a career change, and began working as a mason with his buddy Jimmy Kerns. Around that time, he founded Island Masonry and Concrete Form Co., which for the next 40 years remained the largest masonry contracting firm on Martha’s Vineyard. Upon retiring and selling his business, he went to work at Cottle’s lumberyard. He also took up the hobby of picture framing in 1989, doing all the framing for Ray Ellis and the M.V. Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby for many years. Upon his retirement from Cottle’s lumberyard, he promptly took up a new career, driving a bus for the VTA. He retired there after 10 years. Fred simply could not sit still.

In 1979 he married the former Priscilla (Palmer) Habekost. Fred’s marriage to Priscilla came with some significant challenges — namely, eight children. Initially it was quite an adjustment, but eventually his large family became Fred’s pride and joy. He adored his children (all 10 of them), and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that they gave him. The mere mention of his family would put an ear-to-ear smile on his face.

Fred was very civic-minded. When he returned from service in the Korean War, he participated in the State Guard in Marstons Mills with his brother Arthur Jr. He was an active member of the Legion Pumper crew for more than 20 years in Tisbury, continuing the tradition begun by the veterans of WWI. He remained deeply connected to the Tisbury Fire Department for his remaining years, and was the last surviving member of the Legionnaires for Engine 3. Fred served as commander of American Legion Post 257 for five years, and was instrumental in acquiring the Seamen’s Bethel building and moving it to its present location. He was one of the initial officers who organized the Holy Name Society at St. Augustine’s Church, and was a communicant and collector at the 8 am Sunday Mass for well over 50 years. He served two terms as selectman for the town of Tisbury, from 1969 to 1975. He served as Tisbury DPW commissioner for many years, and on the Finance Committee and as assessor for the town of Tisbury.

Fred had many hobbies and interests that included boating, hunting and fishing, scuba diving, motorcycling, sports, travel, and furniture making. He excelled at everything he did.

Fred was predeceased by his brother Arthur Jr., and his sisters Alice (Thifault) Elskamp and Ethel (Cookie) Thifault. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Priscilla (Palmer); his brother Charlie of Marstons Mills; his son E. Mark Thifault (Elba) and daughter Nancy Andrade (Bobby); stepchildren Bill Habekost, Madeline Denis (Mike), Linda Habekost, Sally Sylvia, Barbara Fletcher (Jim), John Habekost (Susan), Chris Habekost (Marcela), and Michael Habekost; grandchildren Devin and Annelise Thifault; Jocelyn Alexander (Chase) and Derek Andrade; Jeremy, Heidi, and Alex Searle; Steven and Ken Handy; Jeffrey Sylvia; Nicholas and Todd Willoughby and Amanda Allen; Alex and John Habekost; Andres, Juan, and Maria Sanchez Roa; and Michael and Alissa Habekost, and many great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 21, at St. Augustine’s Church, Franklin Street, Vineyard Haven, at 11 am. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, State Road, Vineyard Haven, with military honors provided by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Post 257, 34 William Street, Vineyard Haven, immediately following.

Donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the American Legion Post 257, P.O. Box 257; Good Shepherd Parish, P.O. Box 1058; or M.V. Cancer Support Group, P.O. Box 2214, all in Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

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Marilyn Theresa (Bracy) Maciel died at home in Tisbury, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, after almost six years of fighting lung cancer.

Marilyn was born and raised in the Brewer/Bangor, Maine, area. After the death of her mother, Marilyn moved to Martha’s Vineyard to work with her cousins, Ron and Peg Jackson, at the Ocean View Restaurant. Marilyn met her husband Neal, and they were married in 1989.

Over the years she worked several jobs, including Lift van driver, tour manager for Island Transport, and substitute teaching at the Tisbury and West Tisbury schools. Marilyn was always doing something with crafts or gardening. She loved working with friends, showing them how to knit or crochet.

Marilyn loved to go camping. During the last two summers she camped in several state parks in Maine. Her favorite was Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead Lake, where she acted as a host.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Neal, son Curtis, her beloved Maltese Sadie, her sister Cathy Bishop, and her husband Lester, niece Leslie Bishop Fennell, nephews Bryan Bishop and Daniel McGlew Jr., and her brother-in-law Corly Maciel. Marilyn was predeceased by a son, Michael James Maciel.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 8, at 1:30 pm at the Oak Grove Cemetery (State Road entrance) in Vineyard Haven, officiated by the Rev. Michael Nagle.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Marilyn to the Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568; Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Oncology Unit, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557; or to the charity of your choice.

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Primo A. Lombardi, 70, of Oak Bluffs died on Monday, May 20, 2019, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Primo was married to Mary D. (Birchenough) Lombardi.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, to be announced.
Memorial donations in his name may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital at giving.massgeneral.org/cancer/donate/; the Cam Neely House, 30 Winter St., 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02108, or camneelyfoundation.org/donate; _Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568; or the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557; or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
A complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.

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A memorial service for Peter Simon will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, from 1:30 to 3 pm at the Chilmark Community Center. For those off-Island who may not be able to attend, please send your thoughts or prayers to share to rssimon@vineyard.net.

If you wish to make a donation in Peter’s name, please give to the Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, M.V. Community Services, or Vineyard House.

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