Madeline (Midge) C. Moreis was born February 10, 1937, in her family home in Tisbury to Mary Silvia and Peter Moreis. She was their third daughter, and their eighth child.

As a child, she and her siblings were expected to help on the farm and with household chores. They worked hard from an early age, but they also had lots of laughs, shared bicycles, cars and bedrooms, always putting family first.

As a single mother of three children, life wasn’t always easy for Midge. But she didn’t complain, instead she made sure to always support her children in whatever they chose to endeavor. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family, working many long hours as a housekeeper. She also worked at the Ocean View restaurant for more than 20 years and loved being part of the extended Jackson clan. Her private clients were family to her as well, and she loved filling her home with their gifts of art and china.

Midge was most proud of her children and grandchildren. With Wendy, she shared her fierce devotion to raising resilient children and her love of cooking. Through Leigh, one could find her devilish laugh and lovable sense of humor. She taught Wanda devotion and unconditional love for those in her family and her community.

Like most proud Cape Verdean women Midge loved to cook. Midge helped to build her home, decorating it with only the finest things. She loved the color blue and showcased that throughout her home with teapots, glasses and vases. Midge took great pride in entertaining. She planned every detail of her get-togethers meticulously, throwing epic theme parties on her patio.

Midge was at her happiest when she was spending time with family and was especially close to her sisters Anna Mae, Cynthia, Lena and Josephine. Midge was an enthusiastic singer with the choir at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, a proud member of the VFW’s ladies auxiliary and a great addition to the Mary’s Girls bowling team.

Midge had a quiet strength about her, that showed as she faced several serious health challenges in the past few years. She battled back, when hope was fading, proving her resilient strength once again. Although not Native herself, Midge had a lot of Wampanoag relatives. There is a Wampanoag prayer that says each person has their own path to travel, their gift to share. Midge shared with all of us her charm, her laughter, her strength and her ability to care for others.

She is predeceased by her both parents; an her siblings, Raymond Moreis, Peter Moreis, Billy Moreis, TM Araujo, Paul Araujo and Cynthia Viera.

Madeline is survived by her daughter, Wendy Moreis and her husband, Leroy Gonsalves; son, Leigh Moreis Vanderhoop, and his wife, Christy; daughter, Wanda Moreis; siblings, Anna Mae Cecilio, James Moreis, Josephine Tucker, Joseph Araujo, David Araujo, Adalena (Lena) Vanderhoop, Julio Araujo, John Araujo; grandchildren, her great-grandson, nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held July 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, in Oak Bluffs. A graveside service will follow on July 10, at 11 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of Midge’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Midge’s memory to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Development Office P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Donations will help pay patients’ outstanding medical debt.