Betty Lou Chafin

Betty Lou Chafin, of Chester, Maryland, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025—her 91st birthday—at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Born on December 5, 1934, to Leroy and Louise Macauley in Baltimore, Maryland, Betty spent her early years on West North Avenue before the family moved to Belmar Avenue in Northeast Baltimore. She often shared fond memories of playing with her siblings in Harlem Park, especially hunting for snakes with her brother Skip, and of the lively games enjoyed together in the cellar of their row home. Betty was a proud graduate of Western High School in Baltimore City. Betty dedicated many years of service to the State of Maryland as a secretary, earning a 15-year Governor’s Citation for her commitment. She was a member of American Legion Post #278 and a devoted supporter of the ASPCA. A lifelong animal lover—particularly of cats—she adopted several cherished pets from the local shelter in Queen Anne’s County. Betty was also a faithful member of Galilee Lutheran Church on Kent Island. A true Baltimore sports fan, she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer for the Orioles and the Ravens. Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Roach, and her second husband, Hoyt B. Chafin, both of whom she loved dearly. She was also predeceased by her seven siblings: Elsa Leimbach, Margaret (Marnie/Margie) Sima, Leroy (Roy) Macauley, Frank Macauley, William (Bill) Macauley, Paul Macauley, and Dwayne (Skip) Macauley. Betty is survived by her step-daughter, Stephanie Buffum, and Stephanie’s husband, Michael, of Centreville, Maryland; and by her grandchildren, Aiden and Savannah Buffum, who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews—Dave Leimbach and his wife Debbie; Mary Ann Leimbach (widow of Paul Leimbach); Steve Macauley and his wife Dolores; Doug Macauley and his wife Denise; and Kathy Macauley Murcko and her husband Mark—as well as her first cousin, Bonnie Robinson. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newman Funeral Home, 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, Maryland. Friends and family are invited to visit and gather in remembrance. A repass will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty’s honor may be made to American Legion Post #278, 800 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, MD 21666, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Betty Lou Chafin

December 5, 1934 - December 5, 2025