Betsy Boggess of Katama died Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs. She was 74.

She was born on Jan. 1, 1937 in Oak Bluffs, the daughter of Frederick and Madeline (Thom) Rudolph. She grew up in Edgartown and attended Vineyard schools, graduating from high school in 1954.

On Sept. 9, 1954 she enrolled in the School of Nursing at St Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, graduating Sept. 8, 1957. She completed her nursing practicum at Boston City Hospital and with the Visiting Nurses Association of New Bedford. In February 1958, she received her Massachusetts nursing license which she maintained along with licensure in Vermont and New Hampshire, until her retirement in 1996.

Over a 38-year career Betsy touched many lives personally and professionally. As a new nurse she provided nursing care to the indigent in Boston’s South End as a visiting nurse. Her professional experience included: community outreach for multiple sclerosis patients, supervising nurse at the Austine School for the Deaf in Brattleboro, Vt., and a stint as a special education teacher’s aide and public health nursing through the Vermont Department of Public Health. The nursing that was closest to her heart and at which she excelled was providing support for first-time pregnant mothers, well child clinics, post-partum care, support to high-risk families and teaching parenting skills through age two. She worked long hours under sometimes arduous conditions, but she always gave the best of herself professionally to those she served.

On June 22, 1963 Betsy Rudolph married William L. Boggess Sr. of Mendham, N.J. Upon her marriage, she became an instant mother to Mr. Boggess’s four children! In October 1964 she gave birth to a son, Robert. In February 1967, Betsy and her family moved to Vermont where they resided until 1988. During their time there, Betsy and Bill cultivated and maintained many wonderful friendships which they maintained until Betsy’s death.

In June 1996 following Bill’s retirement two years before, Betsy retired from nursing. They decided to move south a bit and said goodbye to Vermont’s lengthy, cold winters. Bill and Betsy had an opportunity to move to the Vineyard and they took it. Returning to the Vineyard was a coming home for Betsy. Many of her childhood friends were still living on the Island and she quickly reestablished those friendships as well as starting new ones. Once settled into their cozy Cape in Edgartown, they immersed themselves in life on the Vineyard, with beach time, exploring, community events, church and enjoying their friends.

Those who knew Betsy enjoyed her company, her sense of humor, her wonderful cooking and her beautiful handmade creations in needlepoint and knitting. Even retired, she maintained a busy schedule: volunteering to check on shut-ins, cooking, helping out at the Council on Aging, working at the Black Dog shop, traveling and always entertaining friends and family.

On July 4, 2009, Betsy lost Bill to a sudden illness. This was devastating to her, but through support from family, her wonderful friends, her spirituality and personal strength, she not only survived, but came back stronger.

At the time of her death, which was sudden, she was full of life and vigor and kept busy with her many friends, visits, lunches, shopping trips off-Island as well as her prolific creativity in her quilting group.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Madeline Rudolph and her dear brother, Robert F. Rudolph (USMC). She is survived by her sister, Margaret Maccaferri, her nephews, Don and Glenn Maccaferri, her step-children, William L. Boggess Jr., Rebecca K. Boggess, Luke R. Boggess, Frederick T. Boggess, her son, Robert C. Boggess and grandsons, Patrick Rawls, Christopher Rawls and Patrick A. Boggess. She will be greatly and forever missed by her family and many friends.

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated for Betsy on Saturday, Sept. 24 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edgartown.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, mailed to the County of Dukes County, P.O. Box 190, Edgartown, MA 02539 and write Animal Shelter in the memo line, or the charity of their choice.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.