Elizabeth “Betty” M. Chapin, 87, of Bridgeview Lane in Sheffield peacefully passed away Nov. 13, 2016, at her home.
Born Jean Elizabeth Melvin on Dec. 27, 1928, in Glasgow, Scotland, she was the daughter of David and Ann Hardy (Scott) Melvin. She was a graduate of Bryant School and the former Searles High School in Great Barrington. Betty retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1990 where she had served as acting postmaster and postal clerk for many years. She was an active member of the Sheffield Historical Society, serving in its Family History Center. During her time there, she helped many families in genealogical research. She was a longtime member of Old Parish Church in Sheffield, serving as a deacon and a member of the choir.
Betty is survived by her daughters Jean Chapin of Sheffield, Massachusetts, and Cathy Chapin of Waterbury, Connecticut; her grandchildren Tyler, Seth, Trevor, Anne, Kate and Margaret; and her great grandchildren Calista, James, Julian, Marie and Arthur. She also leaves an aunt, Margaret Pearl Ritchie, of Rochester, New York. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Correll Cowles Chapin, on July 11, 1998. The couple was married on April 21, 1951, at Old Parish Church in Sheffield. She was also predeceased by her brother, James Melvin.
Calling hours for Betty will be at Sheffield Historical Society’s Dan Raymond House on Friday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. The Dan Raymond House is just north of Sheffield’s town green with parking at the Town Hall. A service celebrating the life of the late Betty Chapin will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. at Old Parish Church in Sheffield, conducted by Rev. Jill Graham and The Rt. Rev. Jack McKelvey.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Sheffield Historical Society or Old Parish Church through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family or sign the guestbook, go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
