Sandra deBettencourt of Oak Bluffs died peacefully at age 13 on October 84 at her home, surrounded by her family and caregiver, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Sandra was born on Martha’s Vineyard on December 22, 1939 to James and Amy Geddis. She grew up in Edgartown and graduated from Edgartown High School in 1957. She married Nelson J. deBettencourt Jr. on November 5, 1960 and they had been married for almost 60 years when Nelson passed away on October 29, 2020.
Sandra’s early career as a hairdresser laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to people and service. She later ran the convenience store in deBettencourt’s Garage, a job that helped her connect with a community she loved. Her influence was immeasurable, creating a place where countless locals made friends and shared stories. She made many friends from different walks of life. You could always count on a warm welcome when you were given a cup of coffee and a newspaper in the morning. She worked until her late 70s and early 80s, mostly because she loved being around people.
Sandra also enjoyed being with her close friends. They enjoyed going out for lunch, dinner, etc. and leaving the island for shopping or trips to the casino.
Among all these endeavors, Sandra found her deepest fulfillment and greatest achievements in being a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She rarely missed an event related to her children or grandchildren. Whether they were watching basketball games in the gym, football, baseball, field hockey or soccer on the field, or a school concert or play, she was always there to support them. Her family was the heart of her life and her caring spirit flourished by guiding, supporting and sharing in her life. She was immensely proud of her family. Her warmth and wit, underlined by a remarkable sense of humor, made family gatherings lively and joyful, a testament to her enduring legacy of love. She was truly unique!
Sandra’s legacy is love, laughter and a fulfilling life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will forever be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Melanie and Michael Marchand, her son and daughter-in-law Michael and Erin deBettencourt, and her beloved grandchildren Matthew, Kaitlyn, Abby and Andrew Marchand and Michael, Katherine, Molly, Nicole, Jack, Em and Ben deBettencourt. She also leaves behind Hope deBettencourt, mother of Ben and Em, and many other people who were close to her heart. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, Nelson deBettencourt, and her beloved son, Eric deBettencourt.
A celebration of Sandra’s life is planned for December where family and friends will gather to honor and remember her as the wonderful woman she was. Her family would like to thank the many people who have supported them in caring for Sandra over the last few years. Her devotion and kindness were a great source of comfort.
