ROCKLAND — Emily Ford Chandler, 47, a loving mother and cherished friend to many, passed away unexpectedly on January 30, 2026.

Emily was born September 19, 1978, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. During her early childhood, she grew up in Henniker, New Hampshire. She held many cherished memories of hiking the White Mountains with her siblings, tapping maple trees for the sugar house, and sailing—which was one of her favorite things to do. She always kept herself busy outdoors as a child. Emily also played basketball and softball, and was known to be a formidable batter.

Emily eventually moved to Boston, where she participated in the youth program City Year. She mentored less privileged children and helped them progress through school while supporting them through life’s hardships. Her great compassion for children led to a lengthy, meaningful career in childcare. She went on to work at the Copper Beech Childcare Center and the White Birch Center of Early Learning in Henniker, NH.

After relocating to Rockland, Maine, Emily took a job on the J. & E. Riggin, a 110-foot schooner operating out of Rockland Harbor. She worked in the galley and served as a nanny for the owners’ two children. She later operated the afterschool childcare program at the Camden-Rockport YMCA and worked for several years at Little Learners Childcare in South Thomaston. Eventually, she fulfilled a dream by starting her own home-based daycare in Rockland. Over the years, Emily saw many children come and go, taking immense pride in knowing she made a difference in their lives. She was incredibly accommodating to parents, doing whatever she could to make their lives easier.

When it came to children, there was no greater love or joy than that which she had for her two sons. Jack and Henry were Emily’s greatest loves, and she was so proud of all they did. Whether it was Jack winning first place at the science fair or Henry making a tackle on the football field, she was always their greatest fan. She loved taking them to Patriots and Celtics games, dining out, antiquing, fishing, and shopping. Most of all, she just loved being near them. Cozying up to watch a movie was always a favorite. They were the most precious people in her life; no words can compare to the love she had for her sons. She will be deeply missed, always and forever, by both of them.

Emily also had a profound love for Kathryn “Katie” Elizabeth Latta, whom she considered a daughter. Emily was deeply involved in Katie’s life until Katie’s untimely passing in 2024.

Emily was predeceased by her grandparents, Carl and Gloria Chandler; her daughter-at-heart, Kathryn “Katie” Elizabeth Latta; and her loving dog, Fresca.

Emily is survived by her children, John “Jack” Patrick Scanlon, 22, of Owls Head, and Henry Chandler McAlister, 17, of Owls Head. Emily is also survived by her parents, Daniel and Leslie Paul and her father, Carl Chandler; her sister, Sage Chandler; half-sisters, Stella Chandler and Carrie Chandler; and step-siblings, Jason Paul, Daniel Paul VII, Shainan Paul, and Shade Paul.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. Emily will be laid to rest privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Oceanside Pee Wee Football, c/o Machias Savings Bank, 3 Glen Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

Those who would like to share a memory or condolence with Emily’s family may do so on her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.