Lorraine E. Clements, 72, Loved Family and Island

Lorraine Clements of Oak Bluffs died May 31 at Massachusetts General Hospital after suffering a stroke. She was 72 years old.

Born in Boston on Oct. 19, 1932, she was the wife of Albert Clements 2nd who predeceased her. She was a devoted mother and is survived by her eight children, Deborah Suneson of Vineyard Haven, Albert R Clements 3rd of Oak Bluffs, Jeffrey T. Clements of Oak Bluffs, Mark C. Clements of West Tisbury, Peter Clements of Barrington, R.I., Joel Clements of Edgartown, Andrea Clements of Centerville and Jennifer Clements of Leicester. She was predeceased by two children, Carol Lee and Gregory. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren.

Lorraine or Lovey, who was adopted and moved to the Island as an infant, was loved by her family and a vast network of friends and was a very active member of the community. She chose to live and raise her family on the Vineyard and always had a great sense of pride and responsibility to the Island. She had many hobbies she enjoyed and shared with her 16 grandchildren from ceramic gift making to horseback riding.

She was a communicant of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs and was very committed to her faith and loved the Catholic Church. For many years she volunteered her expertise as a religious education teacher preparing children for their first communion and also worked as a den mother for the Cub Scouts of Martha's Vineyard, earning the Bishops award for outstanding achievement and contributions.

She enjoyed listening to classical music, her prayer group, an afternoon swim at the beach, attending concerts around the Island, fishing, playing mahjong, aerobics, having a special lunch with her grandchildren and any family gathering. A stroll down any street on the Island was like a living tapestry of her life as she saw friends from all ages and interests.

She also loved to travel around the world and had started to enjoy partial winters in sunny Vero Beach, Fla. with her niece and nephew Rita and John Bean.

She had over the recent years taught herself how to use the computer and was fond of sending electronic cards for all occasions that would surprise her family and friends.

She will be missed by all, but remembered fondly for her willingness to help others whenever she could. She also will be remembered for her commitment to her family and her community.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on Saturday, June 4. Interment followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs. Donations may be sent in her name to the Good Shepherd Parish of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 1058, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.