Sheila Ann Chesley

WOODVILLE: Sheila Ann Chesley, 80, wife of the late Orin W. "Bubby" Chesley, went Home to Heaven on Sat., June 7, 2025, with her two surviving children by her side, and just as the whippoorwills outside her window were heralding the start of a new day. She was born March 15, 1945, in Bangor, the daughter of Freemont Amasa and Kathryn Lorraine (Dunn) Towle. During her early childhood, she moved with her family to the Enfield-Howland area, where her ancestors were among the earliest settlers. Her stories about her family and her formative years in Enfield have become an abiding source of inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She attended schools in Bangor, Enfield, and Lincoln, graduating from Mattanawcook Academy, Class of 1963. As a high-school sophomore, Sheila was introduced to a young man from Woodville, whom she always referred to as the love of her life; she and "Bubby" were married on May 23, 1964, and in 1966, together, they built a home in South Woodville, where they raised their three children. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, and she created a home that was a sanctuary of peace, comfort, and hospitality for her large extended family, her friends, and her neighbors. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and gardening. For twelve years, she and Bubby owned and operated Wooly Acres Sheep Farm; they also enjoyed camping and playing music together. Following her husband's death in 2013, she developed an interest in drawing and painting, creating artwork that she gave as gifts to her loved ones. Sheila served the Town of Woodville as tax collector and treasurer for thirty-six years; the 2007 Woodville Annual Town Report was dedicated to her when she retired from those offices. She was also a founding member of the Woodville Community Club. Sheila will be best remembered, though, for her unwavering, lifelong faith in God. As a young girl, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and was baptized into the membership of the Enfield Baptist Church. Her faith grew, deepened, and matured throughout her life, and her knowledge of the Bible was unparalleled due to daily study; truly, she walked faithfully and humbly with God as His loving and obedient servant. Sheila was a member of Chester Baptist Church, where she served as pianist, assistant treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and youth group leader. She and her dear friend, Judy Fleming, established the church's food pantry ministry in 1986, which she supported with her time and resources until the end of her life. She is survived by her son, William O. Chesley, and his wife, Sandra; her daughter, Lori A. Chesley; her daughter-in-law, Jolene Chesley, all of Woodville; grandchildren: Cary A. Chesley of Bangor, Jessica M. Salas of Corinth, TX, Laycee M. Young, and her husband, Justin, of Corinna, and William T. Chesley, and his wife, Jessica, of Billerica, MA; great-grandchildren: Ella Young, William H. and Josephine Chesley; brothers: Peter Towle, and his wife, Cyndi, of Mattamiscontis, and Kevin Towle, and his wife, Kim, of Canaan, NH; in-laws: Cary D. Chesley, and his wife, Linda, of Enfield, Arthur Chesley, his wife, Sally, and Amy Lee, and her husband, Bill, all of Lincoln; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Timothy A. Chesley, her great-grandson, Lance A. Chesley, and her sister and brother-in-law, Lynn and Gordon Pratt. Friends are invited to visit with the family at Bowers Funeral Home, Lincoln, on Wednesday, July 2 from Noon to 2:00 PM, with a funeral service immediately following. The burial will be in the Woodville Cemetery. Sheila never failed to see and appreciate the beauty of God's creation, especially sunrises and sunsets, and as a likely result, her favorite colors included peach, coral, and the varying shades of orange. People attending her service are encouraged to wear a splash of these colors in her memory. In lieu of flowers, Sheila requested that donations be made to the Chester Baptist Food Pantry, 38 South Chester Road, Chester, Maine 04457. Her family would like to thank Beacon Hospice, and her primary hospice nurse, Jessica Currier, for the compassionate care Sheila received during the final three weeks of her life. Second Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."