Obituaries Archives - Page 2 of 198 - The Martha's Vineyard Times (2025)

FAQs

Why do I read obituaries? ›

For one, obituaries are stories with a closure unlike the daily news items that are generally interim reports. They are often good stories. One reads about remarkable accomplishments, odd achievements, quirky lives, wild adventures, strange vicissitudes, and forgotten personalities.

Since our founding in 1984, The Martha's Vineyard Times has become the Island's most widely read newspaper for year-round Islanders, long-term summer residents, and Vineyard visitors, with an average circulation of approximately 15,000 copies each week.

Posting an obituary is not a legal requirement and is a sentimental action. Families don't have to publish one if they don't want it or do not have the funds to do so. While you do not have to share a death note or obituary, you must file a death certificate with your state's office.

It serves as a way to inform the community about the individual's passing and to honor their memory. During a funeral or memorial service, it is common for someone to stand up and read the obituary to the attendees. This reading may be performed by a family member, a close friend, or a designated individual.

Is Martha's Vineyard privately owned? No. It is an island that is part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Yes, there are property owners just like there are property owners in any other city, but those property owners do NOT own the island.

Barack and Michelle Obama

The most famous people who live on Martha's Vineyard are Barack and Michele Obama. It's no secret that presidents have a soft spot for Martha's Vineyard.

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for its stunning scenery – with rolling hills, wildflower fields, and miles of pristine coastline. It also has some of the best seafood restaurants in New England and numerous activities and attractions that cater to all types of interests.

Reading obituaries is often a function of age and location. As we get older, friends and acquaintances die more frequently. Checking out the obituary pages is a way to find out about deaths that you might not hear about through other means.

By reading books about death and dying we can increase our own death-awareness and prepare ourselves to be a source of information and inspiration for others.

Why Are Obituaries Important? While they may seem a small gesture, obituaries are rather significant. They allow the deceased's loved ones to announce their passing to the community in a formal and dignified way. Moreover, it saves them from the difficult task of personally notifying a large number of people.

Why do some people not do obituaries? ›

Publishing an obituary can be expensive , and the funds may be unavailable. The deceased has few family members or friends , so there might have, unfortunately, been no need for an obituary. Obituaries are also written for the living so that they may learn of an individual's passing.