Doreen (Dory) P. Clauson died peacefully at her home in Hatchville on Nov. 27 after a courageous five and a half-year battle with cancer. She was 63 and was an inspiration to all she touched.

Dory was born in Oak Bluffs and raised in Edgartown. She had been a resident of Hatchville for the past 19 years. She was employed by the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority for 18 years.

She was a past Worthy Matron of Goodwill Chapter No. 123 Order of the Eastern Star and past Mother Advisor of Falmouth Assembly International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

She is survived by Donald H. Clauson, her husband of 13 years. She was the daughter of Phyllis C. Deitz and the late Kenneth W. Deitz. She also leaves two daughters: Faith A. Rizzuto and her husband John of Metuchen, N.J., and Beth E. Cox and her husband Michael of North Kingstown, R.I.; eight grandchildren; a sister, Bonnie S. Deitz of Edgartown; and four nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Dory’s life will be held at noon on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, in the navigator room at the Portuguese American Club, located on the corner of Sandwich and Ashumet Roads in Hatchville, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601, in memory of Doreen P. Clauson.

To sign the online guest book, please visit ccgfuneralhome.com.