Meredith Purdy Clapp

Meredith was born in Chicago on February 28, 1950, and raised in Hinsdale, IL, by her parents John Dean Purdy and Marjorie Clark Purdy. She leaves five siblings and their spouses and families; John Purdy and Anne, Jane Purdy, William Purdy and Mollie, Elizabeth Purdy, Martha MacDonagh and Michael, and many nieces and nephews.

Meredith and Eugene H. Clapp III, from Wellesley Hills, MA, were married in Hinsdale in 1974. Together they raised their four beloved children. Nathaniel Purdy Clapp lives in Chicago, IL. Benjamin Allen Ogden Clapp lives in Boston with his wife Caroline Howe and their daughters Grace, Elizabeth, and Lillian. Marjorie Greenwell Clapp Bates lives in Westport, CT, with her husband Anthony and their sons Bowen and Benjamin. Eugene Howard Clapp IV lives in Concord, MA, with his wife Sydney Ferguson and their daughter Margot.

Meredith graduated from the Emma Willard School in Troy, NY, and the University of Pennsylvania, where she received a BA in education and BS in sociology. Following graduation, Meredith embarked on a career at J. Walter Thompson in Chicago and New York, where she was a producer of television advertising.

Meredith and Gene and their family lived in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, where Meredith devoted herself to her family and as a community leader. Meredith applied her education degree as a Board member of Beacon Hill Nursery School and as a substitute teacher at Shady Hill School in Cambridge where her children were enrolled. Meredith was also a Sunday school teacher at King’s Chapel. Always dedicated to family, Meredith was a Volunteer Case Reviewer for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

Meredith served as President of Hill House, the community center in their Beacon Hill neighborhood, which established a community outreach award in her honor. A Board member of Rogerson Communities and Board Chair of its Beacon House residence, she advocated for the importance of affordable housing in her neighborhood. Meredith and Gene received the Charles E. Rogerson Award for Community Service in 2015 and the Beacon Award from the Beacon Hill Civic Association in 2005. Meredith was a member of the Vincent Club, which advances women’s health issues, and the Chilton Club.

Meredith was happiest when immersed in family life and engaged with her children and grandchildren. Beyond her life in Boston, Meredith cherished her lifelong connection to Lakeside, MI, on the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, where she spent part of every summer. It was here that Meredith developed her quick wit and capable wordsmithing that made her a great teammate or worthy opponent in Scrabble, crossword puzzles and card games.

Meredith’s family gathered frequently at their Nantucket home, most recently all together for Thanksgiving. Meredith and her family also had a multi-generational connection to Sanibel, FL, and through Gene’s family to the island of Hawai‘i. Wherever she went, Meredith created a warm and loving setting for family and friends, all of whom treasured her company.

Meredith will be missed by so many whose lives have been touched by her loving kindness. She led her life by example with her strong sense of loyalty and what is right, always with a radiant and welcoming smile.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Hill House (127 Mount Vernon Street, Boston, MA 02108) or Rogerson Communities (1 Florence Street, Roslindale, MA 02131).