Barbara B. Chapin

Barb was born in Brockton, MA to Paul & Nellie Bennett. A graduate of Brockton High School she enjoyed acting in the Woman’s Club, as well as being an active worker in dramatics at the Central Methodist Church of Brockton. An avid tennis player, the Brockton Enterprise stated in their Daily sports column … “Barbara Bennett…good enough to give the males a beautiful battle.” She also enjoyed skiing and golf which she continued to pursue for many years.

In 1942 Barb graduated from Simmons College. In 1944 while working for American Airlines she met her future husband in Presque Isle, ME, Lt. Edward G Chapin, who was stationed there with the Army Air Forces. They married a year later while working and serving at La Guardia Field in New York. They went on to raise their family and live in Reading, MA and vacation at their cottage in Chatham on Cape Cod. She loved and was devoted to family and held a special place in her heart for her dogs -- Clipper, Jiggers and Sandy.

Barb worked for a number of years as a secretary of the Baptist Church in Reading while pursuing an interest in oil painting, creating mostly landscapes and still lifes which her family cherish today. She was a member of the Reading College Club, Women’s Club, Craftsmen Society as well as a Cub Scout den mother.

In 1980 Barb and Ed moved to Englewood, FL where they enjoyed retired life and their many friends in the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Venice. Ed passed away in 1997 and Barb decided a few years later to move back to Massachusetts to Brooksby Village with children nearby.

Barb was preceded in death by her sister Mary McQuinn. She is survived by her daughter Judy and husband Bob from Belchertown, MA, her daughter Nancy and husband Bill from Marblehead, MA and her son Jim and wife Julie from Chatham, MA, grandchildren Mike Chapin, Suzie Chapin, Ilka Rivard, Erik Rivard, Ryan MacLeod, Katey MacLeod, Jenny MacLeod and great grandchildren Jack & Callie Chapin and Sebastian & Phoebe Rivard.

Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to: Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01983.

Services are private.