Betty Longbottom had true stage presence and star power, according to those who knew her and are mourning her recent death.

She was a longtime fixture on the local theater scene, performing memorable roles at The Portland Players and Lyric Music Theater in South Portland, as well as the Maine State Music Theater in Brunswick.

Her daughter, Amy Courville, recalled that some of her mother’s favorite roles included the Reverend Mother in “Nunsense,” Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd” and Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Courville said her mother likely performed in about 40 productions during her many years in community theater. She described Longbottom as “dramatic, strong and theatrical.”

According to her obituary, Longbottom, who died on July 24, was born in Boothbay Harbor in 1931. After attending Colby College she worked for the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Portland and was responsible for bringing many conventions to the city. Longbottom then went on to work for the Salvation Army.

However, her obituary said that, “Betty’s true calling was the theater. She was at her best on the stage.”

Three children survive Longbottom – two sons, Robert Longbottom, a Broadway producer, and Andrew Longbottom of Raymond and her daughter, who lives in Saco. Neither son could be reached for comment.

Jean Kerrigan, who left a condolence message for the family on the funeral home’s website, wrote that while she didn’t know Longbottom well, “being in her presence at Portland Players, you certainly knew who she was.”

Kerrigan described Longbottom’s personality as, “large, witty, funny and kind,” she added. “You just had to see her once in a show and when her name came up for another (role), you knew you were in for a great take.”

Courville said what her mother most enjoyed about being on stage was, “performing before an audience, bringing a character to life and the attention that came with it.”

In terms of what she will miss most, Courville said, “I will miss her determination and our fiery conversations,” adding that “even though she was front and center most of her life, her inner self was often in the wings.”

A childhood friend of Courville’s, Alice Burrowes, who also left a condolence message, said what she most remembers about Longbottom is that she was “a very wonderful, friendly lady.”

Burrowes saw Longbottom in “Nunsense” and remembers that she “just had people in tears, she was so funny.” She also recalled that Longbottom was “always on. She was very, very dramatic and theatrical.”

In addition, Burrowes remembers that when she was a teenager she “just loved to sit and talk with” Longbottom. “She just had so much talent. She was just a great lady.”

One of Betty Longbottom’s favorite roles was as Reverend Mother in “Nunsense.”Betty Longbottom was a longtime presence on the local community theater scene. Courtesy photos

Betty Longbottom had true stage presence and star power, according to those who knew her and are mourning her recent death.

She was a longtime fixture on the local theater scene, performing memorable roles at The Portland Players and Lyric Music Theater in South Portland, as well as the Maine State Music Theater in Brunswick.

Her daughter, Amy Courville, recalled that some of her mother’s favorite roles included the Reverend Mother in “Nunsense,” Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd” and Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Courville said her mother likely performed in about 40 productions during her many years in community theater. She described Longbottom as “dramatic, strong and theatrical.”

According to her obituary, Longbottom, who died on July 24, was born in Boothbay Harbor in 1931. After attending Colby College she worked for the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Portland and was responsible for bringing many conventions to the city. Longbottom then went on to work for the Salvation Army.

However, her obituary said that, “Betty’s true calling was the theater. She was at her best on the stage.”

Three children survive Longbottom – two sons, Robert Longbottom, a Broadway producer, and Andrew Longbottom of Raymond and her daughter, who lives in Saco. Neither son could be reached for comment.

Jean Kerrigan, who left a condolence message for the family on the funeral home’s website, wrote that while she didn’t know Longbottom well, “being in her presence at Portland Players, you certainly knew who she was.”

Kerrigan described Longbottom’s personality as, “large, witty, funny and kind,” she added. “You just had to see her once in a show and when her name came up for another (role), you knew you were in for a great take.”

Courville said what her mother most enjoyed about being on stage was, “performing before an audience, bringing a character to life and the attention that came with it.”

In terms of what she will miss most, Courville said, “I will miss her determination and our fiery conversations,” adding that “even though she was front and center most of her life, her inner self was often in the wings.”

A childhood friend of Courville’s, Alice Burrowes, who also left a condolence message, said what she most remembers about Longbottom is that she was “a very wonderful, friendly lady.”

Burrowes saw Longbottom in “Nunsense” and remembers that she “just had people in tears, she was so funny.” She also recalled that Longbottom was “always on. She was very, very dramatic and theatrical.”

In addition, Burrowes remembers that when she was a teenager she “just loved to sit and talk with” Longbottom. “She just had so much talent. She was just a great lady.”

One of Betty Longbottom’s favorite roles was as Reverend Mother in “Nunsense.”Betty Longbottom was a longtime presence on the local community theater scene. Courtesy photos