Vivian Combra DeBettencourt of Oak Bluffs died peacefully on Sunday, July 5 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital with her family at her side. She was 80.

Vivian was the daughter of Mary (Sivee) and Domingo Combra. She was born on Sept. 2, 1934 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She was raised on the Vineyard, graduating from Oak Bluffs High School in 1952. While in high school she began a correspondence with an Island boy, Richard DeBettencourt, who was in the Air Force. When Richard returned stateside they began dating and were married Dec. 30, 1953.

After a few years of living on and off-Island Vivian and family moved to Holliston, where they resided for some 30 years. Vivian worked as a secretary and as a lunch lady, but felt most comfortable at home.

Vivian’s real home, however, was always the Vineyard at heart and they moved back “home” upon retirement.

Vivian enjoyed sports, particularly basketball, and she was a six-year starter at Oak Bluffs High School. She loved watching the Celtics, with Larry Bird being a particular favorite. But most of all Vivian enjoyed her time with both her immediate family and all her relatives that she cared for so deeply. Her family and relatives were truly her life. She was a wonderful and tireless homemaker and wife, a truly caring and compassionate mother, and a wonderful grandmother. She was a loyal and trusted friend to all.

Vivian is survived by her daughter Gail of Bourne, her son Douglas and wife Jayne from Oak Bluffs, granddaughter Kimberly of Vail, Colo., and granddaughter Kathryn and husband Nicholas Townes of Oak Bluffs. She is predeceased by brothers Herbert, Philip, and Donald, and sister Elizabeth.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, July 8 at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs and a graveside service was held on Thursday, July 9 at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs. Donations in Mrs. DeBettencourt’s name may be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, PO Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.