SANFORD — Julie Chapman passed away on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, after a brief illness.

She was born in Sanford to Henrietta (Campagna) Therrien and Leo Therrien. Education and her faith were important to her and she was a high achiever, always making her parents proud of her accomplishments and her strong character. She attended Catholic schools and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1950, holding the position of class valedictorian. She was happy to help organize class reunions and get-togethers, keeping in touch with class members all over the country.

Being accomplished in secretarial and business skills, after graduation she immediately went to work for W.T. Grant Co. and later for Sears Catalog Office, always making new connections with co-workers and customers. Later, she worked for Dubois Insurance Agency until she landed a position at H.A. Mapes Oil Co. This job would be a long-term commitment that she thoroughly enjoyed and eventually retired from at the age of 65, after 30-plus years of dedicated service.

Once retired, she spent her days reading, watching Red Sox games, traveling, visiting cousins in Canada, California, Nevada, and going on bus trips, casino adventures and to Bingo games with her friends and relatives. A good time was had by all! 

She also proudly served as a hospital volunteer at Goodall Hospital, several times a week, assisting patients, visitors and staff in any capacity deemed necessary. This work allowed her to show her compassionate side and feel like she was giving to the community she loved. Being French-speaking certainly helped her interact with patients and customers all of her life. She put people at ease with her warm smile and friendly attitude and was presented several awards over the years.

She will be dearly missed by those who had the blessing of knowing and loving her but mostly by her beloved family, her daughter, Deb Hurd of Acton; her son, Randy Chapman; a granddaughter and two grandsons including Spencer Hurd of Naples, five great-grandchildren and another blessing on the way! Also, many dear cousins, and members of the Laroche family.

She was recently predeceased by her only sister, Jeannine Wood.

Visitation will be at Lafrance-Lambert funeral home on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral mass will follow on Friday at 10 a.m., at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford.

Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to: The Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Rd., Kennebunk, ME 04043, or Springvale Public Library Assoc., 443 Main Street, Springvale, ME 04083.