Kathryn A. (Cassie) Roessel, whose tireless and enthusiastic representation of Martha's Vineyard on the Steamship Authority board of governors made her one of the best-known residents of the Island, was found dead outside her Vineyard Haven home last Saturday morning. She was 51.

State police detectives attached to the Cape and Islands district attorney's office are investigating Ms. Roessel's death, as they would any unattended death. Tisbury police chief Theodore Saulnier said Tuesday there were no obvious marks of injury on the body.

The Dukes County commission is set to make a slew of appointments in early January, including the Vineyard representative to the Steamship Authority.

Marc Hanover, owner of Linda Jeans Restaurant in Oak Bluffs, has been the Vineyard boat line governor since 2005. The appointment is a three-year position.

Acting county manager Noreen Mavro Flanders said this week she expected Mr. Hanover to seek reappointment. Mr. Hanover was off-Island yesterday and could not be reached for comment.