Bette Ann Chesley-Phinney Obituary (1953 - 2017)

Bette Ann Chesley-Phinney, 63, of Norridgewock passed away suddenly at home Sunday November 5, 2017. She was born November 9, 1953 in Skowhegan, the daughter of Lewis and Del Bouchard of Skowhegan. Bette graduated from Skowhegan High School class of 1972. Shortly after, she married her first love David R. Chesley and became the proud mother of 4 children. For many years, Bette was a stay at home mom, spending time with her children as well as watching neighborhood kids. She eventually went to work in the healthcare field and back to school and received her C.N.A. She worked for several different companies over the years, but no matter what she chose to do, she was always helping others. After her retirement, she and her husband opened an antique/consignment shop which she was very proud of. In 2003, her dear husband David, of 28 years, passed away after a long illness. She was strong, as she always was, but it left her with a broken heart. In 2005, she met Woody Phinney of Norridgewock, with his kindness, loving heart and determination, he taught Bette how to love and be loved again. They were married October 6, 2012 in Skowhegan. Bette enjoyed antiquing with her husband Woody, having family dinners and helping people. She loved to decorate for holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. She would find any reason to get friends and family together for that’s when she was the happiest. She was the hostess with the mostest, the queen of Halloween and one of the most giving people any of us have ever met. She was predeceased by her husband David and her parents Lewis and Del Bouchard, also, her dear Aunt Catherine Antonelli and her brothers Allen Bouchard and Lewis “Butchie” Bouchard. Survivors include her beloved husband Woody of Norridgewock; her son Stephen; her three daughters, Ann, Julia and Juliet; son-in-law Jay Webb; two step-sons Bob and Scott; two sisters, Pat Bouchard and Linda Archer; her brother Alban Bouchard; granddaughters Ashley, Maci, Kacey and Aurora; grandson Davin; several nieces and nephews, many dear friends and her four very spoiled cats. Bette was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had many dear friends through-out her life. Her compassion, sense of humor and wisdom will be missed by all who knew her. From her children: we’d like to say the following: You were there for us time and time again, we are beyond fortunate to have had you as our mother. Your guidance, concern, protectiveness and understanding made us appreciate, admire and love you more than words can say. You gave us all we need and want you to know we will all be ok, rest easy and know you will be in our hearts forever. If we turn out to be even half the person you were, then well know our lives were successful ones. The family would like to thank the firemen and the EMT’s who responded to the 911 call and all the staff at RFGH for doing all you could for her and for being extremely compassionate and professional. Also, thanks to the many friends who have helped in this time of sorrow. Friends are invited to join us for a celebration of her life at 2 pm Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the Federated Church, Island Ave., Skowhegan, and a gathering following at Woody and Bette’s home at 61 Mercer Rd., Norridgewock. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. Donations may be made in her memory to the Somerset Humane Society, PO Box 453, Skowhegan, Maine 04976