UNITY – Alice Barbara Chandler Cheeseman, 70, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 2, 2008, at a Portland hospital. Alice was born March 16, 1937, in Quincy, Mass. She was the daughter of Harry W. and Barbara (Curry) Chandler III of Cape Cod, Mass. She attended Quincy High School, and graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital, School of Nursing, Aug. 31, 1957. Alice was a registered nurse for 51 years, and worked in various areas of health care. She was certified in psychiatric nursing and worked locally for Kennebec Valley Regional Health Agency, Seton 5th Hall, and the Belfast Probate Court. Alice was a true champion of community philanthropy, serving on countless committees and boards throughout Central Maine. She served on the Unity budget committee from 1989 to 2007, and was chairperson of that board for many years. She was on the firehouse committee from 1999 to 2007, and was a vocal voice in the drive to build a new firehouse in Unity. Alice was one of the founding members of Unity Barn Raisers, incorporated in 1996. She served on the board of directors from 1996 to 2007, and as vice chair from 1996 to 1998 and chair in 2005-2006. Alice was recently awarded the “one-of-a-kind” Kitchen Table Award, in recognition of her years of selfless service to the community. She also served as an advisor on Maine Community Foundation’s Waldo County Committee from 1998 to 2006, and as chair from 2000 to 2005. Alice successfully led the first ever Partners Program Campaign in Waldo County in 2004-05, which secured a $25,000 grant for Waldo County Fund from the Betterment Fund. She was also a longtime member of Unity Democrats, and greatly enjoyed serving as a delegate to the state and national Democratic conventions. Alice lived an active, fun-filled life. She enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening, antiquing, and being with her friends and family. She was an avid traveler and thoroughly enjoyed taking her grandchildren on vacations and cruises. Alice also enjoyed taking her grandchildren to their orthodontic appointments, which were always followed by a trip to Pad Thai Too for lunch. Alice was predeceased by her father, Harry W. Chandler III. She is survived by her mother, Barbara C. Chandler; her sister, Nancy Clapp; her beloved husband, Gordon E. Cheeseman Sr.; her children, Gordon Cheeseman Jr. and wife, Cherrie, Martha Mayberry and husband, Rusty, Melissa Cheeseman and husband, Karl Swenson, and Eliza Quill and husband, Mark; and her grandchildren, Kristen Alice Cheese-man, Tessa Melissa, Colleen Laura and Ian Maxwell Chandler Mayberry, Hannah Marie Gilman and Kristen Mary Quill and George Karl Swenson. A celebration of her life will be held 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, with a potluck dinner after the service, for friends and family at Unity Center for Performing Arts, a favorite venue of Alice’s. Alice will be buried at her home, Knollwood Farm, in the spring. Alice and Gordon are thankful for 34 wonderful years spent in the community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alice’s name to Unity Barn Raisers, P.O. Box 381, Unity, ME 04988. Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 107 Main St., Fairfield. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.
ALICE BARBARA CHANDLER CHEESEMAN
