Drusna Perlstein Was Friend to Many Islanders

Drusna Rose Perlstein died Saturday, Oct. 21. Drusna was an incredibly independent person who loved people and had a zest for life. She wanted to do everything and be everywhere and see everyone. She considered everyone a friend. Friends and family affectionately called her Sistie or Sis.

Sis was born to Harry and Irene Perlstein on the Island on June 26, 1934, and lived here most of her life, going to the Tisbury School. She was active in 4H Club and in Girl Scouts.

Drusna was married later in life to Frank Rocha, enjoying almost 20 years of marriage until Frank passed away. They were wonderful companions and totally devoted to each other, making a comfortable home for themselves at Hillside Village. They enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: meals together, doing errands and watching the ferries come and go.

She enjoyed playing the piano and painting, and was never without her knitting. She loved animals, and would sing to the birds that visited her window feeders.

Drusna did nothing halfway. Whatever she did, she did fully. She loved to go to parties and get dressed up, and it would not be unusual for her to wear a dozen rings or pins and necklaces on a daily basis.

She loved to swim, and spent many hours at Owen Park. She was active in the Tisbury Senior Center, attending lunch and many of the clubs and activities.

Most recently, Drusna lived in Oak Bluffs, and was supported by the many wonderful people of Martha's Vineyard Community Services Inc.

She was predeceased by her parents, Harry in 1958 and Irene in 1993, and her brother Gerald on Nov. 23, 2000. Survivors include her sister, Leah (Perlstein) Allman of Peabody and Dennis, and sister Jackie (Perlstein) Neel, brother-in-law Thomas Neel of Belmont and Tisbury; nephews Ronald Allman, Howard Perlstein, and Harrison Neel; nieces Abigail Neel, Susan Wadsworth, and Maria Avellone; grandnieces Victoria Henricsson and Emily Allman; and grandnephew Reid Michal Wadsworth.

A graveside service took place on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Cemetery with Rabbi Caryn Broitman officiating. A reception followed at the Harbor View Hotel.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Tisbury Senior Center. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.