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Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home

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Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Elizabeth Chapin Obituary

"She shall have music wherever she goes", died peacefully in Boston, MA, May 27, 2008 at the age of 89. Elizabeth, or Lizanne, as she was known to her friends, was an award-winning gardener and horticultural judge, an avid reader, ardent traveler, capital dancer and terrific hostess. Born on Dec. 4, 1918, in Lowell, MA, she attended the Mary C. Wheeler School and Smith College. Together with her darling husband, the late Melville Chapin, Lizanne contributed to the quality of education at many institutions, including Philips Academy Andover and Yale University, where the two took great pleasure in devoting their time and resources to the Addison Gallery and the Yale Art Gallery, in particular. A woman of enormous loyalty, great style and particularly wicked wit, Lizanne spent her life taking care of her extended family and friends. Among the various establishments to which she volunteered her energy and considerable talents are The Mount Auburn Hospital; The Martha's Vineyard Historical Society; Arrowhead; and The Polly Hill Arboretum, where her passion for the Magnolia trees begat the "Melville" variety. At her death she was a member of The Cambridge Plant and Garden Club, The Chilton Club, The Country Club, and The Edgartown Yacht Club. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth and Allan, and her 7 grandchildren, Eric, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jessica, Anthony, Amanda, and Peter. She was dearly loved and her spark will be sorely missed. Burial will be private, a memorial service will be planned. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Polly Hill Arboretum, PO Box 561, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Arrangments by BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, Chelmsford. blakefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Jun. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Chapin

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Scott Meyer

December 1, 2008

Dear Aunt Liz,
Mel used to say I only called when I needed your help with a project or student...but I called for all the fun we had...from trips to Melville house in Lennox to swordfish fresh caught...Yale/Harvard football games in my youth to your visits to Finality Farm...I will always think of you even if I do not call or perhaps I will again sometime...lots of love, Scott

Jane Carr

June 10, 2008

I celebrate the life of a great lady, horticulturist, enabler and enthuser of great wit and generosity. I learned a lot from her at the NE Flower Show and as members of the Junior League of Boston Garden Club.

Tricia Button

June 3, 2008

Mrs Chapin we had some fun times together - we were supposed to have more. I will miss your humor and our birthday lunches in December. Thanks for the fudge from the Vineyard..I'll miss that most of all. Love Tricia

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home

24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824

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