She was born in Wayland, Massachusetts, on June 29, 1938, a daughter of Charles H. Williams Jr. and Bertha E. (Katvala) Williams. She grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, graduating from Chelmsford High School.
She moved to Maine at the age of 20, where she met her future husband, Alfred Chenard. They were married on June 24, 1961, and enjoyed 54 wonderful years together.
In earlier years, Rheta worked as a bookkeeper in the shoe manufacturing industry. It was there that she met Al. Later in life, she was self-employed, working for several families in the area.
She enjoyed tending to her flower garden, cooking and especially spending time with her grandchildren. Rheta enjoyed sports, including watching the Bruins, where she was frequently heard yelling at the referees.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, William Williams Sr.
Rheta is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Alfred Chenard of Kennebunkport; two sons, Robert Chenard and wife Nancy of Winslow, and William Chenard and wife Carol of Natick, Massachusetts; two sisters, Charlotte Schieren and husband Norman of Arundel, and Anna Stimpson and husband Robert of Kennebunkport; and five grandchildren, Kelley and Michael Chenard of Natick, Massachusetts, and Melissa, Mariah, and Bobby of Winslow.
Visiting hours will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, in Holy Spirit Parish/ St. Martha’s Church, 30 Portland Road, Kennebunk.
Donations may be made in Rheta’s memory to: Maine General Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903- 0828 or give.mainegeneral.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=375.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Rheta’s Book of Memories Page at bibberfuneral.com.
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