Obituaries & Condolences


Joan Kathryn Chapin, 77 yrs. old of New Berlin, NY
went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2017 at Hospice of St. Francis, Titusville, FL. 

Joan was born on June 8, 1939, in Johnstown City Hospital, Johnstown, NY, the daughter of Sidney & Dorothy Blake.  Her childhood was spent in Johnstown, NY where she attended Johnstown Elementary and High Schools.  She also attended SUNY Cortland where she graduated with a bachelor degree in elementary education.

She was employed by Alfred Central School for 2 years, Ithaca schools for 4 years and then for 25 years at New Berlin Central School.  She was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Berlin, NY.

Joan was an avid reader who loved to knit, making hats, mittens, baby and adult sweaters.  She deeply loved spending time with her five grandchildren.  She loved camping with the motor home and was involved in the motor home club from 1987 to 2014 serving as editor of the newsletter for several years as well as other activities. She was the organizer of The Children Authors who met with 4th grade students as well as the creator and coordinator for the Million Pennies campaign. She was also co-editor of the New Berlin Central School newsletter for many years. During her teaching career she spent years involved in the FFA attending several activities with her husband including the National FFA Conventions and summers at Oswegatchie Leadership Camp in the Adirondacks. She was very active in her church including editor of the Parish Guide and was co-author of the St. Andrews 200th anniversary book.

On June 18, 1960 she married Alfred Chapin in Johnstown, NY. He survives her. 

In addition to her husband Al, and mother Dorothy, Joan is survived by her children; Debby Black, her husband William and children, Angela & Cassandra of Camp Hill, PA and Becky Brown, her husband Dwayne and children Emily, Tucker and Sarah of West Oneonta, NY.  She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Oles of Guilford, VT.

Services were held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Titusville, FL on Monday, February 6, 2017.  A second service will be held at St. Andrew’s Church, New Berlin, NY in early spring.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Unadilla Valley Food Pantry, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 40 South Main Street, New Berlin, NY.

The family of Joan, cordially invite you to join in celebrating her life on April 29, 2017, 10:00 AM at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, New Berlin, NY.

Reception will be held in the Parish Hall immediately following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Unadilla Valley Food Pantry, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 40 South Main Street, New Berlin, NY 13411

 

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Faith Dickinson
New Woodstock NY

Al and family
Joan and I were best friends in our school years in Johnstown. Like most we lost touch as the years passed. I am saddened at her passing and leave my best with all of you. Just waited too long to try and find her. We will meet again later.

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Gerard & Cindy Weis
Camden NY

Our sincerest condolences to Al, Debby and Becky. We will miss Joan very much. She was my mom's best friend for over 50 years and we are truly grateful for that. We are all better for having known her and loved her-- like a well-blended family. Joan showed us how to live and die with grace. We love you all and keep you in our prayers.

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Gerry Griffth
Winter Springs, FL

I am very sorry to learn of Joan's passing..what a loss for all of you..what a wonderful lady!..I worked closely with Joan as her Principal at New Berlin Elementary from 1985 through 1992..I always thought the world of her..she was a dedicated and wonderful teacher who always went above and beyond for all the students, and not just her own..she was a friend in addition to being a colleague..and she was always so proud of her family and dedicated to them..all around, a great lady..I am saddened to hear she is gone..she had a lot of impact on a lot of lives.

 

 

 
Dakin Funeral Home :: 17 North Main Street, New Berlin, New York 13411 :: (607) 847-6231 :: email

 

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