After a relatively brief but very intense battle with cancer, Catherine DeVito, of West Tisbury, died on Jan. 11, 2010. Catherine was surrounded by her family when she lost her battle.

You could define Catherine by her family ties —the wife of Al DeVito, mother of Steven, Victoria, David and Gregory and grandmother of Eli, Sadie, Ezra and Beatrice. But she was also defined by her commitment to make this world a better place than she found it. Catherine was a very active Unitarian. She cofounded a fellowship in Ottawa and was a strong supporter of, and worked hard for, congregations in Wellesley and the Vineyard. She was serious about the need for people to actively participate in government; thus, she was active in town boards and committees wherever she lived. And she was committed to the need for constantly improving oneself; she attended Wellesley College while mothering four children.

In her final days Catherine was helped considerably by Hospice and the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. A donation to either organization in Catherine’s memory would be appreciated. Mailing addresses are: Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 and MV Hospital Development Office, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

Services will be private.