EASTPORT – Myrtle Louise (Lingley) Chaffey, 88, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 23, 2009. Myrtle was wife of the late Herbert Carleton Chaffey. She was born Feb. 20, 1920, in Eastport, to Robert and Myrtle (Robinson) Lingley. Myrtle grew up in Eastport during its heyday. She wiled away many hours learning to crochet, knit, cook, can and garden under the tutelage of her mother. As a young woman, she and her innumerable girlfriends spent many memorable hours attending dances held for the young soldiers home on leave during World War II. She was avidly pursued and successfully courted by young Herbie Chaffey. They were married July 17, 1941, while Herbie was home on leave. When the war was over, Myrtle and Herbie set up housekeeping in Eastport. Myrtle was the consummate homemaker, wife and mother. She took great pride and delight in caring for her husband and sons. During her 63 years of marriage to Herbie, they celebrated many personal milestones, including the marriages of two sons, births of grandchildren and not only silver and gold anniversaries, but also their 63rd anniversary July 17, 2004. Myrtle was also active outside the home. She was a member of Blakey Memorial United Methodist Church, an active member of Ladies’ Auxiliary and owned and operated her own florist shop. In later years, she continued to use her creative talents exhibiting her work in local fairs and creating a wide variety of heirloom crafts for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She touched the hearts of many people and will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all. She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert; and her brothers, Lawrence and his wife, Kath, and Paul and his wife, Marie. She is survived by her sons and their wives, Robert and Jane Chaffey, and Richard and Ruth Chaffey. Myrtle is also survived by her grandchildren, Michelle and her husband, Rob Walker, Bobie-Jayne and her husband, Paul Mitchell, Robert Michael, and Sarah and her husband, Chris Jordan. She was also great-grandmother to Brittney, Tiffany, Howard, Blayne, Cameron, Nicole and Owen. In addition, she was the great-great-grandmother to Cassandra, Jacob, Alex and Teddy. Myrtle is also survived by her sister-in-law, Virginia Chaffey; a very special lifelong friend, Hattie Stuart; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. At Myrtle’s request, there will be no visiting hours or service. Burial and committal will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Blakey Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 104, Eastport, ME 04631. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Homes, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.
MYRTLE L. CHAFFEY
