Edna Chapman

Edna Leona Theriault (Lemay) Chapman, age 87, of Springvale ME passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford, Maine, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 5, 1934, in Sanford. She was the youngest of six children born to Cecil and Eugenie (Paquette) Theriault. Edna grew up in Sanford and graduated from Holy Family School when she was 12 and Sanford High School when she was 17. Edna loved learning and maintained an "A" average while attending both schools. She continued her love for literacy until the day she passed. Edna met Nel when she was 15 in 1949. They married on November 29, 1952. She fondly recalled Nel, an avid hunter, always teased her that he had lost two days of hunting to marry her. They bought their first home on Weeman Street in Springvale where they raised five children. They eventually divorced and she remarried Randolph Chapman in 1971 with whom she had one son. Edna enjoyed many things in her long life. As a young woman she was a very graceful figure skater. Watching the Olympics during her final days gave her great pleasure. She watched as they gracefully glided across the ice and recalled the joy and the feelings of flying it gave her. She was an accomplished seamstress. She made many clothes for her children in the early years. She was also the go to for clothes for our dolls, costumes, any repairs, alterations, or modifications we needed, even occasionally performing "surgical repairs" on a beloved stuffed animal. Coming from humble beginnings she really learned how to stretch a dollar and prepare a meal that tasted like a thousand dollars. She was a wonderful cook. A few of her specialties were her "magical red soup" that was always made whenever someone was sick for its healing powers. Her meatloaf was one even a meatloaf "hater" would eat. Her French heritage gave us Tourtiere/Pork pie. That was always a special treat at the holidays. Those traditions carry on in her family still and will be passed down through the generations. Though she and Nel divorced they managed to put their personal differences aside and raise their children together. They never missed a holiday, birthday or family get together throughout all the years. Edna enjoyed watching the family grow becoming a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She knew every one of the kids, even was present for several of the births. She had a very special relationship with all. Edna worked for most of her adult life. She was a secretary in the Goodall Mills right after high school. She later devoted much time being a Mom and raising children. As her life changed and she divorced she found a new passion and what would become a career for forty plus years as a bartender. She made many friends in that occupation and became a dear friend and a pseudo-Mom to many. She excelled here and became a manager and leader. She is fondly remembered by all that worked under her and were served by her. Edna had a penchant for gambling. The thrill of the game and the risk vs reward made her heart beat with excitement. (She really was a pretty good poker player). She enjoyed bowling, crossword, and most all word puzzles. She was an avid reader. She would often finish a novel in one day during her time of ailing health. The escapism into the stories brought her great pleasure. She enjoyed her soap operas and game shows on TV. Family Feud, Let's Make a Deal, Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right and her favorite: Guys Grocery Game. They made life at home more enjoyable for her. She loved her veterans, and the Boston Red Sox (Big Papi was her guy!). She was active in the ladies Auxiliaries and volunteered much time to any fund-raising causes for the Veteran's. She always had an open door and place at the table for anyone who needed a meal or place to stay. She loved sharing and giving more than receiving. She had one of the biggest, kindest hearts of anyone you would meet. She will be missed by many. Edna is predeceased by her parents Cecil L. and Eugenie M. (Paquette) Theriault; Brothers Joseph Raymond Theriault, Cecil G. Theriault. Sisters Marie L. (Theriault) Butler, Alma R. (Theriault) Vinton; former husbands Girard Lionel "Nel" Lemay and Randolph "Chaddy" Chapman. She is survived by one brother, Leland Theriault of Sanford and his wife, Marianne (Rivard) Theriault of Sanford, ME. She is survived by six children and their families listed here in family groups: Daughter: Diane M (Lemay) Chabot and her husband Richard of Durham, Maine. Grandson: Matthew Chabot and his wife Sheila of Fairport, NY. Great Grandchildren: Noelle and Caleb Chabot Grandson: Daniel Chabot of Colorado Springs, CO Great Grandchildren: Lilliana and Acadia Chabot Son: Thomas L Lemay and his wife Lisa L (Labrie) of Sanford, ME. Grandson: Christopher T Lemay and his wife Sarah (De La Cerda) of New Ipswich, NH Grandson: Jeffrey T Lemay and his longtime girlfriend Laura Smith of Shapleigh, ME Daughter: Lisa M. (Lemay) Girard and her Canine companions Tutey and Winston of Waterboro, ME. Granddaughter: Tiyana (Caron) LaPanne and her partner Michael Jacques of Portsmouth, RI. Great Grandchildren: Kaia and Mariah LaPanne & Natalia Fleurant Granddaughter: Cortney (Caron) Baker-Knight and her husband Dereck of Sanford, ME. Great Grandchildren: Ryenn M. and Avi G. Baker, and Jayden D. Knight Daughter: Laurie (Lemay) Smith and her husband Brian of Sanford, ME Grandchildren: Leah N., Gregory K, Andrew J, and Kendra B. Smith Son: William G. Lemay of Suffolk, VA Son: Craig C. Chapman of Springvale Also survived by many extended family members and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 10:00AM at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave, Sanford. To leave a message of condolence click on Edna's tribute page.