Noreen J. Bettencourt died Sunday, March 15. She was 72.

She was born at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Feb. 19, 1948. She had a lively childhood, growing up in Edgartown as the only girl in a family of five brothers. An office worker for Norton and Estabrook, she then worked as a planner for ComElectric for many years, until retirement, when she was able to enjoy her many hobbies.

She was a fantastic cook and baker. There was always something cooking in Noreen’s kitchen. She kept the neighborhood fed, always had something for those with a sweet tooth and enjoyed making special birthday cakes for her nieces and nephews. No request went unanswered, from doll cakes to bear cakes and even an alligator cake. She was the family baker for all of the holidays, and was the Christmas ornament queen.

Noreen loved playing darts at the Portuguese American Club as well as her Sunday mornings with her many friends in the Stitch and Bitch Club. She was an avid tennis player who spent many sunny days playing tennis all over the Island. She loved holidays, celebrations and travel and explored the east coast from Maine to Florida, with her family. She especially loved her trip to Barbados with her son Greg.

Noreen always made people feel special. She had only one son, but he brought many important people into her life. “She was like a mother to me” has been said by so many over the years. Whether a meal when you were hungry, a place to crash when you were tired or bail when you were in need, Noreen was always there. She will be greatly missed. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date to be announced.

She is survived by her brothers Michael Bettencourt of Edgartown and Bruce Bettencourt of Tierra Verde, Fla., her grandson and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Manuel and Olma Bettencourt, her brothers John, Daniel and Peter Bettencourt and her son Greg Packish.

Donations can be made to Island Autism at Marcy Bronzino Bettencourt, P.O. Box 3004, Edgartown, MA 02539 or islandautism.org/donate.

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