Beth Haller LaSala

Our beautiful mom, Beth Haller LaSala, passed away peacefully in her sleep during the morning of March 10, 2025, one week after her 68th birthday. To do justice to the legacy she leaves is a near impossible task, and one that we know, in her signature, selfless way, she would ask us not to worry about. As her children, however, keeping her memory alive will be our greatest honor.

Born on March 3, 1957, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Beth was the beloved daughter of Dr. Joseph Haller and Polly Jo Haller. She lived a busy and full life, residing in places such as Washington, D.C., Texas, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Paris, and eventually Maine, where she settled in 2020 and built her forever home.

Beth was a ray of sunshine for all those lucky enough to know her. Being in her presence, whether over multiple decades or by a chance encounter, made you feel cherished, welcomed and safe. She was the kind of person who listened with her whole heart, who never hesitated to offer kindness, and who found her truest happiness in lifting others up. An eternal optimist, Beth made the best of anything that came her way, even a cancer diagnosis in 2021, which returned aggressively in September 2024. She took on the disease with grit, determination and positivity – qualities that defined her fight until her final days.

Beth was a devoted sister to Jody Drake, Enid Haller, and Jill Brannan, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. She was married to Joseph A. LaSala for 33 years, and was a loving mother to their two children, Christina Livada (36) and Joe LaSala (34), whom she raised with unconditional support and encouragement. She welcomed Christina’s husband, Drake Livada, and Joe’s wife, Charlotte Buchanan LaSala, into her family with open arms, and often described them as the best in-laws a mother could ever hope for. But perhaps her greatest joy was being “Nana” to her three grandchildren, Ella Livada (5), Griffin Livada (2), and Trevor LaSala (1). She adored them beyond measure and was their favorite person in the world. Beth is also survived by her loving life partner, Bob Gaudreau.

Beth was not only a positive presence in the lives of those closest to her—she was also an accomplished businesswoman. Beth graduated from Franklin & Marshall College and received her M.B.A. from the Kogod School of Business at American University, going on to lead a successful sports marketing career in Washington, D.C. In 2006, Beth founded ChappyWrap, a company built on her belief that warmth and connection are essential parts of life. For nearly 20 years, ChappyWrap blankets have brought comfort to countless families across the country, a testament to Beth’s passion for caring for others. She poured her heart and soul into her work, creating a successful company that warms the world in both the literal and figurative sense. Beth had the immense joy of getting to work alongside her daughter and son-in-law, who now run the business, carrying forward her legacy.

Beth’s passing leaves an immeasurable void. Her spirit remains woven into her family who will forever cherish her memory, a company that will continue to share her kindness with the world, and a lifetime of love that will never fade.

A celebration of Beth’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Beth’s memory by donating to one of her favorite causes, The Tanzanian Children’s Fund (tanzanianchildrensfund.kindful.com), or by simply wrapping someone you love in comfort and warmth, just as she always did.