ROCKPORT — Theresa Marie Chapdelaine, 61, passed away on Feb. 17, 2017, at her home. Terri, as she was known, was born March 9, 1955, in Boston, Mass., to the late Theresa (Lehane) Chapdelaine and Leo Chapdelaine.

Terri attended school in Quincy and Duxbury, Mass., and graduated from Duxbury High School in 1972. She attended college and lived on Cape Cod for several years after graduation, before eventually settling in Camden. Later in life, Terri chose to pursue a teaching career. She attended the University of Maine, Orono, participating in the Onward Program for non-traditional students and proudly graduated in 2003. Along the way, Terri gathered many dear friends that she stayed in contact with over the years and kept close in her heart.

After college graduation, the adventure of a lifetime began. Terri packed her car and left her beloved Maine. With maps in hand and a plan in her heart, she drove to Kenai, Alaska. After completing student teaching and additional training through the University of Alaska, Terri accepted a teaching position in the Inupiaq village of Buckland, Alaska. It was there that Terri found her true calling in life. She taught in many capacities at the Nunachiam Sissauni School and immersed herself in the culture of the Inupiaq people. Her love and admiration for everyone she worked with, the children she taught, and all the members of the community was obvious to anyone who was fortunate enough to hear her stories. She poured her heart and soul into teaching and guiding, volunteering and supporting. The love and acceptance, so freely given to Terri by her Buckland and Kenai “families” that she returned to most summers, will be forever appreciated by her “lower 48” family. She truly loved Alaska.

With much sadness, Terri retired from teaching in Alaska in 2015, but she was excited to be returning to New England. In August of 2016 she settled in Rockport, Maine, to begin the next chapter of her life. Her untimely passing has left all who knew her with a great sadness, not only for ourselves, but for those who had yet to share in the light of her love and kindness.

In addition to all the wonderful friends Terri made along her way, Terri is survived by her father, Leo Chapdelaine (Shelby) of Duxbury, Mass., and Ponce Inlet, Fla.; and her siblings, Denise DeLano (Bud) of Iron Mountain, Mich., Mary LaBonty (James) of Hooksett, N.H., Jeanine Chapdelaine of Hooksett, N.H., and Chris Chapdelaine (Missy) of Benton, Ark. Her nieces and nephews brought her great pride and joy. She loved them all dearly. They include Benjamin (Corissa Grabowski) and Megan DeLano, James, Melissa (Alex Mann) and Christopher LaBonty, Nicholas, Collin and Connor Chapdelaine, and Bree Brandon. She is also survived by numerous cousins, aunts and uncles and extended family in Ireland that she cherished.

The family respectfully requests that should you choose to honor Terri through a donation, you consider donating to Buckland School. An educational memorial to benefit the students will be established in her name. Forward to Nunachiam Sissauni School, P.O. Box 91, Buckland AK 99727.

A celebration of life will be held in Duxbury, Mass., in the summer of 2017.

Arrangements have been in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.