GORHAM- Elizabeth (Shirley) M. Chapman of New Portland Road, Gorham, ME passed away peacefully at the Gorham House facility on Monday, June 24, 2024. Daughter of the late Francis and Fred Benway of Charlotte, VT, Shirley married the late Harry W Chapman in 1950 and moved to Gorham, ME. Shirley and her husband built a small miniature golf and driving range business, hosted many family events, and made Gorham their home. Shirley and Chappy raised 4 children in their Gorham home. For over 92 years, Shirley shared her immense love with her family and friends. Her love of flowers led her to her first job outside of the home, at Violet Wiggins Flower Shop on Robie Street in Gorham. Shirley later worked, for many decades, at Barrows Greenhouse in Gorham, where she looked forward to planting seedlings and designing memorial baskets year after year.
She enjoyed dancing, singing, ceramics, card-making, stamping, word search puzzles, and playing bingo. She was a great singer, polka dancer, and yodeler. Shirley loved family get-togethers which were always filled with music, laughter, and fun. Family, near and far, was her world and she always made sure they knew it.
Shirley is survived by her children: Norman D Chapman, wife Pauline, of Harrison, ME, Carol A Wagner, husband Timothy, of Buxton, ME, and Barbara J Capen, husband Richard, of Labelle, FL. She is predeceased by her husband, H.W. Sr., and son, Harry Chapman Jr.
She loved her grandchildren very much: Norman Chapman Jr and Shawn Chapman of Uncasvillle, CT, Russell Chapman of Buxton, Tonya Alexander of Limington, Jason Wagner of Gorham, and Melissa Capen of Westbrook, ME.
Great-grandchildren: Amelia Alexander of Liverpool, NY, Gavin Alexander of Limington, Liam and Levi Wagner, Kenzie Hart of Gorham, ME, Blake, Luke and Brooke Chapman of Uncasville, CT.
Shirley has one surviving sister, Margaret Bell of VT, as well as many nieces and nephews from her twelve siblings whom she loved deeply.
Funeral service will be held Monday, July 1, 2024 at 1 PM at Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22), Buxton, ME. Burial will follow at Eastern Cemetery in Gorham, ME. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com