Fabia Chandler Obituary (1933 - 2019)

Fabia Bowman Chandler passed away on Tuesday, September 24th in Hortense Georgia, surrounded by her family. She was 86 years old. Born in Beverly, Mass on March 5th 1933, she was the only child of Richard Bowman and Eleanor King. Fabia graduated from Colby College in 1954, earning her degree in English. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi, as well as several other clubs on campus. In 1956 she married Joseph Campbell Chandler. She was involved in the operation of the family business, Chandler's Ice Cream, in Peabody, Mass. Later, she earned her teacher's certificate and went on to teach kindergarten and 4th grade at The Carroll School. In 1964, Joe and Fay built their lakeshore cabin on Brandy Pond, in Naples, Maine. This spot would become a beloved gathering place for family and friends that is still enjoyed today by her children, grand children, and great grandchildren. Upon her retirement, she and her husband bought their dream house in Athens, Maine and quickly set down roots in the community. In her spare time, she tended a large garden and loved to cook. She adored children, especially her six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Fay joined the Athens Victory Club, a group of women serving the community and made lasting friendships. She would become a driving force in Citizens Against Pollution in Town and rallied successfully against the GenPower project. Later, she focused her time and energy serving her community at the local food pantry. Fay was a faithful member of the Church of the Open Bible, where she taught Sunday School and attended bible study. Fabia was predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph Campbell Chandler. She is survived by her children, Joseph K. Chandler and his wife, Ruth, of Hortense, GA; Jennifer L. Laurent of Stratham, NH; grandchildren, Katie, Amy, Melanie, Joe, Brittany, and Stephanie; and nine great grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 28th, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Avenue, Skowhegan, Maine, followed by a graveside ceremony at noon at Mount Rest Cemetery in Athens, with the Rev. Richard Haynie officiating. Donations may be made in Fabia's memory to the Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Boulevard, Jesup, GA 31543, or to the Cornville/Athens Food Pantry ℅ Jean Tekverk, 26 W. Front Street, Apt. 200, Skowhegan, ME 04976.