Dr. Barbara Krause, who had been a member of the hospital primary care team, died Sunday at the age of 64, the hospital said in a statement released Monday. Dr. Krause had just returned from a family vacation in Florida. She had practiced medicine at the hospital since 2016.
The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has confirmed the death of a well-known Island primary care doctor.
Dr. Barbara Krause, who had been a member of the hospital primary care team since 2016, died suddenly Sunday at the age of 64, the hospital said. She had just returned from a family vacation in Florida.
“The loss of Dr. Krause is devastating to her devoted staff, fellow colleagues and patients here at MVH,” hospital president and chief executive officer Denise Schepici said in the statement. “She had a gift of listening and truly being present. Those qualities made her a wonderful physician and friend. My thoughts are with her family as they navigate the challenging road of grief ahead. I hope knowing the positive impact she had on all who knew her will help them at this difficult time.”
The hospital is working to re-arrange Dr. Krause’s patients in the short term and make a longer term plan as well, the statement said.

Comments
This is extremely sad news.
Cathy PetersThis is extremely sad news. Dr Kraus was a special person and wonderful doctor. She was a Dr who made you feel understood and that you could contact her almost all of the time with questions. We never felt ignored or rushed, she genuinely cared. We will miss her incredibly and feel that we will never find another replacement that cared as much as she did.
Condolences to her family.
I appreciated Dr. Krause’s
Cecilia BrennanI appreciated Dr. Krause’s humor and direct approach. She was an attentive and responsive physician. She will be missed.
Wow this is incredibly sad. I
Alicia Rabbitt Oak BluffsWow this is incredibly sad. I hope whatever happened, she didn’t suffer. She will be greatly missed. She was an amazingly caring doctor, she was the best Primary Care doctor I ever had. RIP Dr Barbara Krause.
Such sad news. She was my
Joan Thomas Naples, FLSuch sad news. She was my Primary Care doctor, patient and insightful, with a lovely sense of humor. I looked forward to seeing her again and will miss her. My condolences to all who loved her.
We are stunned by the loss of
Anna Borre Boon and Bob Woodruff West Tisbury MAWe are stunned by the loss of Barbara, our friend and doctor. Barbara listened, was unfailing in her follow through and an excellent diagnostician, with caring and humor. Our thoughts are with you all. Anna and Bob
I was stunned and saddened to
Kathy Forrester Vneyard Haven, MAI was stunned and saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Krause. She has been my primary care doctor since she came to MV Hospital in 2016.
She was a great diagnostician, a caring doctor who listened carefully to what you had to say and consistently followed through on issues. She
wasn't only a welcome addition to MV Hospital, but to our neighborhood on Old Oklahoma Road in Vineyard Haven. Sending hear felt condolences to her family.
Dr K was our primary care
John Verret ChilmarkDr K was our primary care doctor from her first day on the job. She was an amazing caregiver who showed genuine interest in us as people and patients.
She was Just a lovely human being. So smart and blessed with a great sense of humor. We will miss her so, so much. Our hearts grieve for her family and loved ones. May she Rest In Peace.
Meg and John Verret.
Hello everyone:
Glenn Palmer VHHello everyone:
I am Barbara Krause's husband. I want to thank you all for the kind comments. Barbara was truly devoted to helping people and was always direct, often in a humorous way.
There will be a memorial service for her on the island. We will announce it when date is finalized.
Again, thank you for the wonderful comments.
Regards,
Glenn
Oh, Glenn, I am stunned over
Cynthia Sheppard WaylandOh, Glenn, I am stunned over this terrible news. Sending my deepest condolences to you, Kira and Ian. Beyond being a wonderful doctor, Barbara was truly an exemplary person - we had many good times together as Girl Scout leaders when the girls were young. I always marveled over her ability to make this a priority while working as a doctor in a busy practice. And somehow she also managed to be a voracious reader on top of everything else. And keeping her sense of humor throughout. She was amazing! Please let me know if you plan a service or any get-together in this area. Thinking of you all.
Glenn, our hearts go out to
Dianne Smith ChilmarkGlenn, our hearts go out to you and to all of Barbara's family members. She was an astute diagnostician and comforting confidante with a delightfully dry wit. Her interpersonal and medical skills were intrinsic to her professional care, and all of us who knew her can only begin to share your loss. She will be very much missed. God's peace.
I used to work with Barbara
Nanan Renee FalmouthI used to work with Barbara at Pastor Medical and house sit for her. I am very saddened by this news . I hope I can come to the memorial. She was so kind and compassionate ❤️
Oh Glenn, I’m so so sorry.
Margie Meltzer Longboat KeyOh Glenn, I’m so so sorry. What a loss for you and your family and our community.
When I completed chemo in 91 she became my doctor. Her sharp mind, her compassion, her humor helped me turn a trauma into a life experience to grow from. When we found out she was coming to the island, Cheryl and I were so thrilled. it was a gift to have her as a doctor. Knowing how her childhood experience at the sailing camp came full circle to your move to the Lagoon, I am glad for that....
I send you love and caring through this difficult time.
Dear Glenn, We are all so sad
Susan Rosin VHDear Glenn, We are all so sad and for those of us who were her patients are really feeling this. She was a wonderful doctor and person. I feel a true loss. She was what made the island a special place to live. Hugs to your family.
What can we say....We loved
Paryss and Allie Oak BluffsWhat can we say....We loved or Doctor Krause! We laughed a lot! She was the best! We will truly miss her. We were blessed to have her as our Doctor. You are in our prayers. May Gods love keep you and strengthen you through this journey! God bless you all!
Glen Barbara was my best
Nancy Cronheim Davis, CAGlen Barbara was my best friend during residency. Her sudden death is crushing me so I can only imagine how you must feel. Life is so unfair. Only yesterday I sent her an email to catch up and reconnect.
Barbara was so brave, a fierce advocate for her patients, not afraid to challenge any attending during her residency.
She also was a loyal, passionate friend, who could be counted on for support. I have fond memories of our ski trip to Vail, attending your wedding, watching your relationship deepen.
My heart will miss her terribly.
Nancy Cronheim
[email protected]
Barbara was one of my
Augusto Montalvo Central FloridaBarbara was one of my classmates in medical school. Although I have not seen her since graduation 38 years ago, I have never forgotten her. She was sincere, genuine and very bright. It was a pleasure to be in her company. Her sudden departure has shaken me more than I could have expected. Rest In Peace, dear classmate.
It has shaken many of us. I
Susan from Vineyard HavenIt has shaken many of us. I am a patient of hers and find it hard to comprehend how life can change so quickly. Very sad and beyond comprehension
The congregation of the First
Beverly Droz Newton, MAThe congregation of the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton is heartbroken by this sad news. Barbara Krause and husband Glenn Palmer were long time beloved members of this caring community before moving to the Vineyard. We will miss Barbara immensely. Glenn - our love and sympathies to you.
Like so many of Barbara’s
Bettina (Baechtold) Kilburn Atlanta, GALike so many of Barbara’s medical school classmates, I join the chorus of those saddened deeply by the loss of a beautiful lady, inside and out. I was blessed to call her friend during our student years. Even as a student doctor, she led by example, and embodied in her work and in her being the best that medicine can be. May God hold Glenn and family in the pain of grieving and rewearing as God now holds Barbara in the light.
We are so shocked and
Joan Lonergan and John Merrow EdgartownWe are so shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Krause’s death. Like others who have commented, we found Dr. Krause to be an outstanding primary care physician and person, and we are so grateful to have been her patients, albeit for much too short a time. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and other patients. We will not forget her - ever.
I have known and loved
James Perlotto M D and Thomas Masse Guilford CT and New Smyrna Beach FLI have known and loved Barbara since we were medical students together in Boston. I have been devastated by the news of her sudden death. I will always remember my friend for her brilliance, humility, fabulous sense of dry humor, wonderful fun laugh, and her deep loyalty as a friend. I am so glad that we were able to share a beautiful weekend with Barb and Glenn on the Vineyard and to see the great life that they built for each other there. Our hearts are with Glenn, Glenn Jr, Ian and Kira now. We wil remember Barbara forever. Much love, Jim and Tom
My thoughts go out to Dr
Julie Robinson West TisburyMy thoughts go out to Dr Krause’s husband, family, co workers and friends. Dr Krause has been my doctor for the past number of years. I liked her very much and appreciated her direct approach and her willingness to listen to my thoughts. I will miss her professionalism. I have to say I am in shock. It just goes to show, that you have to live everyday as if it’s your last. Because it may be. And to not take your friendships for granted.
Dr. Krause was a truly
louis merriam Vinyard HavenDr. Krause was a truly wonderful physician and person. It was a terrible shock to hear of her sudden death and shows us how fragile life can be. Her calm, common sense and attentive approach will be truly missed.
I am deeply saddened to hear
Peggy Baga Tisbury and Sarasota, FLI am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Dr. Krause. I am grateful for her reassuring care, down to earth manner and sense of humor. She was a wonderful addition to the Island and will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family.
I was a longtime patient of
Susan Freedman Newton MAI was a longtime patient of Dr Krause in her Brookline office and I missed her kindness, patience and brilliance when she moved. My thoughts are with her loving family at this devastating time!
I had the good fortune to
Beverly Porter Brookline, MAI had the good fortune to have Dr Krause as my primary care physician for much of my adult life. I was sad when she “retired” to Martha’s Vinyard, but felt it was well deserved. I loved her forthrightness and dry humor. This is very sad news. My heartfelt best wishes to her family.
Just returning back from The
Stephen Hart Martha’s VineyardJust returning back from The West Indies after performing a concert at The Bequia Music Festival,I am saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Barbara.She always was there for me as a good doctor especially when I needed her before traveling internationally.She has always encouraged and supported my passion for music and woodworking craftsman.My condolences and heartfelt feelings go out to her family and friends.She will be missed for sure.
Barbara was a friend and
Lynda Reid BostonBarbara was a friend and colleague of mine since we worked together at Harvard Community Health Plan and then at Pastor Medical. I attended her wedding to Glenn and was there when her first son was born. I miss Barbara terribly and am saddened by her no longer here.
I am sorry for you and your families loss, Glenn.
Best regards,
Lynda
When I went into Pastor
Elizabeth BostonWhen I went into Pastor medical last week and saw the memorial notice on the wall I couldn’t believe it. God bless you Barbara, may you rest in peace. Thank you for the care and compassion you gave me and so many like me over the years.
Dr. Krause was PCP for both
Rhonda Solomon Quincy, MADr. Krause was PCP for both myself and my friend Lynda Hoffman for many years at Pastor Medical in Brookline. We are so saddened for her loss. She was an excellent doctor. Our sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
Dr. Krause was my both my
James Voris Watertown, MADr. Krause was my both my wife's and my PCP for 40 years at Pastor Associates in Brookline. She was not only a great doctor but she was a great listener, intelligent, caring, practical, responsive, and professional. My wife passed away the week after Dr. Krause and then the Pandemic hit so I am quite late in posting this tribute. My sincere condolences to Barbara's family and I hope they are doing better.
Dr Krause was my PCP as well
James Gray Jr. Wrentham, MaDr Krause was my PCP as well as my wife’s for over twenty years. She was incredibly professional, caring, determined and loving. She was never too busy to return phone calls and direct us to other physicians when we needed care. I was so disappointed when she moved to the Cape, but I gave her a hug and wished her well. We were just informed of her death. We are devastated to hear this news. Our deepest sympathy to her husband and entire family. The medical profession has lost a great Doctor and an incredible person
We are remembering our dear
Kaley and Paula Krick Portland ORWe are remembering our dear friend Barbara on the anniversary of her passing.
We hold Glenn, Glenn Jr, Ian, and Kira in our thoughts and prayers, and
we send them our love.
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