Bette Jean Chapman (Shields), 66, of Richmond, Maine, passed away unexpectedly in her home on April 20th, 2025. A beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Bette will always be remembered for her loud and boisterous personality and her complete selflessness to her family and friends.
Bette loved her children Joel, Rachel and Issabella. She also loved the times she was able to visit her son and daughter in law Katie overseas in the United Kingdom, and to see her grandchildren there; Poppy, Maisy and River. Bette was also very close with her daughter in laws mother and stepfather, Allison and Steven. Bette also cherished the time she was able to spend with her daughter Rachel's boys; Basil, Finnian and Jude.
Bette spent most days piecing puzzles together with her mother, Madeline and spending time going on adventures with her daughter Issabella. Bette was devout in her Christian faith and chose to live her life born again and not tied to any specific church, although she had been a member of the Drum church previously.
A quote picked out by her son Joel, by Mary Elizabeth Frye "Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. (Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die!)." Is a perfect representation of Bette's spirit and the way she would want us to think of her now that she is no longer here in the flesh.
Bette is survived by her mother Madeline Tozier of Richmond, her brother Gary Shields and his wife Debbie Shields of Vassalboro, her brother Weldon Shields Jr., and his wife Julie Shields of Richmond, her Sister Debbie Bodge and her husband Robert Bodge of Richmond, her sister Mary-Ellen Carney of Richmond. Her son Joel Chapman and his wife Katie Chapman of the United Kingdom (children; Poppy, Maisy and River), her daughter Rachel Portela and her husband Matthew Portela of Dresden (children; Basil, Finnian and Jude) and her daughter Issabella Chapman of Richmond.
Bette is predeceased by her father Weldon Shields Sr., of Farmingdale, her Uncle Charlie Rittal and his wife Mildred Rittal of Dresden. As well as beloved grandparents who she spoke of often, William Rittal and his wife Gladys Rittal of Dresden.
Bette will forever be missed by her family and friends, too many cherished individuals to list in a few simple paragraphs.
A graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Dresden ME, Sunday May 4th, 2025, at 11am for family and friends. Lite coffee and refreshments will be held immediately following the service at her daughter Rachel's home; 513 Gardiner Rd., Dresden ME, 04342.