NORRIDGEWOCK – Betty Marie Dunlap Charles passed away peacefully on August 20, 2023, at the home of her daughter Joleen and partner Glenn Jones. Betty was born on Jan. 7, 1931, to Harley and Judith Brann Dunlap in Mercer, Maine at the home of her grandparents, Fred and Hattie Brann.

As a young woman Betty moved to Connecticut and worked at the Westminster School for boys, a period in which she always had fond memories. After returning to Maine, she married her husband David, settling on their farm in Norridgewock in 1966. After the death of her husband in 1979, she went to work at New Balance and also continued to maintain the farm. She retired from New Balance in 1997.

Betty was known for her love for knitting, making homemade root beer, gardening. and canning 100’s of quarts of produce every year for her family. Betty loved to travel. She and her late dear friend Suellen Luce were able to travel to Ireland and Aruba and had fond memories of their trips together. Betty also enjoyed driving with her two sisters-in-law, Farrilyn and Lenita, throughout the United States, traveling from Maine to California, visiting many sites on two separate occasions.

Betty is survived by her children James and wife Christine, Janine and partner Rick, Sharise and husband Bob, and Joleen and partner Glenn; grandchildren Hailey Grace, Ashley Roche, Isabel French, Raylyn Charles, Olivia French, and Sophia French; great grandsons Coleton, Boe, Noah, and another baby boy arriving in September. She is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Farrilyn Chase; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Betty was predeceased by her parents Harley and Judith Dunlap; husband David Charles; son Seymour Charles; brothers Milton and Harley (Billy) Dunlap, brother-in-law Preston Charles and sister-in-law Lenita Charles.

Betty will be honored at a private service on Sept. 17, 2023, at 2 p.m. to be held at Sunset View Cemetery in Norridgewock.

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