Bethia (Beth) Chalmers Cossey passed away on October 25, 2024, at the age of 85.

Born in Portland on August 6, 1939, Beth led a life defined by love for her family, by her adventurous spirit, and by her deep commitment to community.

Beth’s life was a vibrant tapestry of art, travel, and service. She graduated from Bridgton High School in 1957 and furthered her education at Wheaton College, from which she graduated in 1961 with a degree in Art History. On October 28, 1961, Beth married James (Jim) D. Cossey, a naval officer from Bartlesville, Okla. Beth and Jim moved 20 times in connection with his naval career with notable stays in Yokosuka, Japan; Mons, Belgium; Millington, Tenn.; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Alexandria, Va. In 2003, they happily returned to Bridgton to enjoy retirement near family and friends.

Beth loved Bridgton and made meaningful contributions to the local community. She was a founding member of Gallery 302, a venue for supporting local artists, and of the Rufus Porter Museum, which celebrates the folk artist and inventor Rufus Porter. Beth served as president of the Rufus Porter Museum Board of Directors and chaired the committee to raise funds for the new post and beam building housing murals and exhibits. Wheaton College was close to her heart; she was co-chair of fundraising for her class and in 2016 she received Wheaton’s Alumni Achievement Award. Beth participated actively on the Community Development Advisory Committee. She was also a devoted member of the First Congregational Church, where she served on several committees throughout her 20-year membership. A talented watercolor artist, Beth enjoyed painting landscapes and people of all ages. One of her art projects was “Twelve Women of Bridgton” which was featured in Gallery 302 and highlighted in the Portland Press Herald.

Beth’s extended family in Bridgton was very important to her. She adored her brothers, their families and grandchildren. She participated in every life celebration of the Chalmers family and cheered on each member’s accomplishments with love.

Beth’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Jim, their children, Catherine Cossey Guiley and partner Joseph Prestia, and Mark Chalmers Cossey and wife Martha; and grandchildren, Will Cossey, Jordan Cossey and Grace Guiley. She is also survived by her brothers, Bruce and William Chalmers.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Marney and Herb Chalmers.

A memorial service celebrating Beth’s life will be held at the First Congregational Church, 33 South High Street, Bridgton, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 1 p.m. In honor of Beth’s passion for art, attendees are encouraged to wear color to the services.

Contributions in memory of Beth can be made to the Rufus Porter Museum or to the First Congregational Church of Bridgton, Maine.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where condolences and tributes may be shared with Beth’s family at www.hallfuneralhome.net.