Martha Ellen Chellis

Martha E. Chellis Martha Ellen Chellis (Chapman), 83, of Gorham died peacefully on June 16th, 2023 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough surrounded by her loving family. She was born in East Boothbay on July 16th, 1939, the daughter of the late Wilbur S. "Brink" Chapman and Florence (Estabrook) Chapman. She graduated from Boothbay Harbor High School in 1957. She met the love of her life, "Bobby" Chellis when she was 17, and married him when she was 18. They married on August 23rd, 1957 and had been together for almost 57 years when he passed away. One of her most cherished memories with him was taking a road trip to Key West, continuing over to Texas to visit her daughter Shari and family, and then returning to Maine weeks later, stopping at Niagara Falls and Gettysburg along the way. Martha stayed home with her four children while they were growing up and later worked at Porteous and Arby's part-time until she discovered a desire to go back to school. She went to USM in her 40s and earned a degree in Therapeutic Recreation the year she turned 45. She worked at 75 State Street in Portland for several years before retiring, planning many adventures and activities for her beloved residents. Martha enjoyed reading (so much so that it was hard to find a library book that didn't have her name in the back), walking many miles in volksmarches or all around town, going on local adventures to find the best lobster roll, ice cream, or beautiful view of the ocean, as well as embarking on epic adventures like backpacking through Europe with her daughter and a friend in her 50s, traveling to China with her son in her 60s, or visiting children and grandchildren in California, Texas, Oklahoma or wherever they may be. She was the best mom and "Nana" who will be remembered for all the ways she loved her family: cards and notes in the mail, a phone call to check in, a little "coffee" money or maybe a little extra for that much needed home purchase or vacation. She also had the gift of hospitality when visitors were planning to drop by, always making sure there was coffee, cream and sugar and some pastries or other treats on hand to share. Nana (and Grampy) spent many hours playing with and caring for their grandchildren, taking them on various adventures, playing card games, and making memories they will cherish forever. Her own children have wonderful memories of camping, hiking, canoeing, beaches, holiday gatherings and more. She was predeceased by her parents Wilbur and Florence, husband Robert Chellis, older brother Charles Chapman, first-born son Bobby Chellis at the age of 2, and daughter Shari Massengill at the age of 53. She is survived by three of her children, daughter Terri Trujillo and her husband John of Turner, son Mark Chellis and his wife Donna of Hampden, daughter Kelly Roussel and her husband Rich of Gorham as well as son-in-law Glen Massengill ; brother Phil Chapman and wife Laura, sister-in-law Jean Chapman, sister-in-law Marcia Foss, sister-in-law Gloria Hunt; grandchildren, Kimberly Ohler, Robert Trujillo, Cameron Massengill, Samuel Roussel, Simon Roussel, Rose Chellis, Lily Chellis; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Buzzell, Mikayla Buzzell, Johnny Ohler, Joey Trujillo, Annie Trujillo, Marcus Trujillo, and Holly Trujillo as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and longtime friends Pat and Doug Howe. A coffee and dessert memorial/reception in honor of Martha will take place at St. Anne's Catholic Parish (Gorham) in the parish hall on Saturday, July 8th from 3-4:30pm for those who would like to remember Martha and offer condolences to the family. A graveside service will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Boothbay on Sunday, July 9th at 12pm followed by a family lunch/gathering in East Boothbay. Martha's family would like to thank MaineHealth Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Leslie Bradford and staff for their care and support, Gosnell Memorial Hospice House and all the nurses and CNAs who cared for her, her home hospice team, especially her nurse Annette and social worker Lizzy, and St Anne's Hospitality Team, as well as the many friends and family who've offered love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham or Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Martha Ellen Chellis

July 16, 1939 - June 16, 2023

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