Judy Leanne Chassie Chamberlain

Judy Leanne Chassie Chamberlain of Woodland was born in Caribou, Maine, on March 7, 1942, and died March 26, 2024 in Bangor surrounded by family. The daughter of Loretta and Edwin Chassie. She was born the second of seven children. 

Judy married the love of her life, Clifford Chamberlain, May 10, 1958. As residences of initially Caribou and then Woodland, Maine, they raised five children and supported Clifford’s business pursuits with long haul trucking and then Cliff’s Tire Garage as the accountant for the businesses. At the same time, she started her own in-home party business company as a toy demonstrator where she developed her love of the collection of Fenton Art Glass. These are examples of her strong work ethic and family values of being a loving mother, wife and business entrepreneur all at one time. Judy would always smile when talking about her accomplishments relating back to the example of her loving mother who did the same for her family, other than working in a home business, she worked in the fields with her husband and became known as being able to pick the most potatoes in one day, return home to care for her family by making homemade bread for their meals. Judy followed those footsteps as she too worked in the potato fields during the fall harvest, cut seed in the spring while raising her children making it a family affair. To say the least, Judy and Cliff taught their children to be strong independent business minded individuals who learned early in life that if you want something, you need to work for it.

As a mom, Judy worked to have a warm loving home that was rich with a beautifully decorative environment, good food, and just an overall friendly inviting atmosphere that would support anyone stopping by, being offered good company and a great meal. Thus, one of her delights was her desire to get her hands on whatever cook book she could find to try the latest recipe to try it out on any willing taste tester. She was known to bring wonderful deserts to any event in the community and took great pride sharing her recipes with others.

Judy also loved to decorate her home. She was creative in style and color that gained her community recognition whenever someone stopped by to see what she was working on. She was known as a “crafter” who loved to learn how to make County style decorative items for the home. Her desire to do more with crafting really took off when she and Cliff moved to Hermon in 1987. It was after the building of their log home that she started J&M Country Crafts in her garage. She and a new founded local friend, Marsha. This started the whirlwind of craft developed with wood, cloths, and paints. She constantly sought out the latest trend and capitalized on it. She became well known at Craft Fairs throughout Maine. Upon moving to Crouseville in 2007, as she and Clifford decided to return to the County, the craft worked slowed down, but not her desire to be creative and active in the community. She focused more on her long-time skill of sewing which was a skill she and her mother shared. She joined a Quilting Club in Washburn called the Given and a Stitchen. As many in the community know, this group is exceptionally giving to those who are suffering with life threatening illness. They donate their quits to those in need and have auctioned off quilts to raise money for more materials to make more quits. This was another example of Judy’s love to give to others.

Judy loved life. She enjoyed being with people. Some would say she was a “social butterfly”, who could start a conversation with anyone and they would feel her warm inviting love as they talked. She loved entertaining at her home and would easily invite all comers to join in a good meal and good conversations. As the family matriarch, the family always gathered around her during special events and holidays knowing she had something wonderful planned for all. She loved music and enjoyed dancing. When she and Cliff met, they went out every Saturday night to go dance and be with family and friends for many years. The highlight of a long hard work week was to treat themselves for one evening out with friends and family. The greatest challenge Judy faced was when Cliff was diagnosed with lung cancer and he lost his battle in March of 2016. Though he did suffer his last 4 years of his life with physical decline, his passing was very difficult. Judy did what she does best though, and surrounded herself with family and friends, and focused on what she loved doing. 

Judy will be remembered for her compassionate spirit and commitment to taking care of her family. We will miss her dearly!
Judy is predeceased by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Clifford, her brother, Richard Chassie, and twin sisters Brenda Chassie and Linda Anderson.

She is survived by her son Joe Chamberlain and his wife Lorraine of Woodland, Rhonda Chamberlain and Joel Humphrey of Caribou, Jim Chamberlain and his wife Lisa of Hermon, Steven Chamberlain and his wife Becky of Hermon and Greg Chamberlain of Hermon. As well as her older brother Gerald Chassie of Massachusetts and his wife Judy, Ronnie Chassie of Oregon, and Danny Chassie and his wife Gloria of Indiana, as well as 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday May 4, 2024 at the Mockler Funeral Home 24 Reservoir Street Caribou from 9:30 am until time of services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11;00 am Saturday from the  Parish of the Precious Blood, Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Following the service all are invited to a time of continued fellowship and refreshments in the parish hall. Interment will be in the New Holy Rosary Cemetery. 

In place of flowers, Judy would like donations sent to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society. 


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