Margaret DeBettencourt Was Devoted to Family

Margaret Durkin DeBettencourt of Vineyard Haven, a devoted mother and wife, died Tuesday evening, July 22, at her home. She was 78. She was the wife of Raymond J. DeBettencourt.

Margaret was born on Oct. 4, 1924 in New Bedford to the late George and Nora (Leach) Durkin. She grew up in East Providence and was a graduate of East Providence High School. She received her degree from Bryant College and moved to Martha's Vineyard in 1949. She soon after met her husband and they were married on Jan. 6, 1951. Her mother, Nora, lived with the family until 1974. The family moved to Nantucket from 1956 until 1965. They returned to Martha's Vineyard, where Margaret pursued her career in real estate. For the last several winters, Margaret and Raymond enjoyed spending time in Florida.

In addition to her devoted husband of 52 years, she is survived by her sons, Raymond J. DeBettencourt Jr. of Vineyard Haven and Mark F. DeBettencourt of Cape Cod; one grandson, Sean P. DeBettencourt of Vineyard Haven, and a sister, Nancy Hodgkins of Phoenix, Ariz. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.