Ethelyn S (Smith) Chase

Ethelyn Dempster Smith Chase, 96 Westbrook – Ethelyn died peacefully, Sunday, August 21st, 2016 at Clover Manor Nursing home in Auburn, at age 96. She was born in Westbrook Maine January 1st, 1920, the oldest of 3 siblings. Ethelyn grew up in Westbrook and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1938. She then went on to graduate from Northeastern Business College in 1940. Upon graduation Ethelyn went to work for the City of Westbrook Street Commissioner’s Office. From there she decided to move to Washington D.C. where she worked for the Petroleum Administration for War in the Interior Department. Upon returning to Maine she met her husband, Robert E Chase and shortly after was married on May 18th, 1946. They spent the first 3 years of their marriage living and starting a family at Poland Spring where Robert was employed at the Mansion House. She often remarked that time as one of the most memorable parts of her life. Upon returning to Westbrook she worked as secretary for Judge Armand Leblanc, Hughes Oil and Scott Paper Company. Ethelyn was very active in many organizations throughout her life. She joined the Girl Scouts as a young girl and earned the Golden Eaglet Badge, at the time the highest award in Girl Scouting. She was also a member of the Ship “Admiral” in the Girl Scout Mariner Program as well as past President and Life Member of the Silver Trefoil, an adult Girl Scout Organization. She led her own troop for a number of years and many still reflect fondly on the times they had with her as their leader. She was a member of the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, U.C.C. holding many positions there including Moderator and most recently being honored with the title of Deacon Emeritus. She was a Life Member and a Fifty year Member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron of Beulah Chapter No 5 and of Mizpah Chapter No. 3. She served the Grand Chapter of Maine as Grand Chaplain in 1962-63 and was appointed Grand Representative to New Mexico in 1994. She was the Past President, Charter Member and Honorary Member of the Westbrook Historical Society as well as the GFWC/Westbrook Woman’s Club. She held the positions of Corresponding/Recording Secretary & Necrologist for the GFWC/Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs. At the time of her death she was the last surviving member of the Westbrook Women’s Club Committee which compiled and published a history of her native town, “Highlights of Westbrook History”. She wrote poetry and won many awards for her efforts. She loved to read and do crossword puzzles. She was an avid Red Sox fan watching every game she could. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and spent much time with her grandchildren as they grew up and had children of their own. Ethelyn is predeceased by her parents, William and Mary, husband Robert, sister Joan Keeley and brother William Smith, Jr. She is survived by her children, Linda Chase Barrett and husband Joe, Pamela Chase Neptune, Timothy Chase and wife Susan. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Jennifer Hughes and husband Greg, Colin Chase and wife Karen, Tyler Chase, Evan Chase, Stephanie Hackett and husband Casey; five great grandchildren, Jasmyne Chase, Kayleigh Chase, Kaiden Chase, Jessica Moore, Joshua Hughes and wife Alexandra; two –great great grandchildren, William and Everly Hughes, as well as niece Julie C.T. Billings and nephews James Keeley and wife Susan, Michael Keeley and wife Margo. Visiting Hour will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 from 10 to 11 AM at the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church, a Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM, Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Westbrook. Online condolences can be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com

Ethelyn S (Smith) Chase

January 1, 1920 - August 21, 2016

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