Dorothy Chapman Obituary

Dorothy W. Chapman

1932 - 2010 DALTON Dorothy W. Chapman, 78, formerly of 169 Pleasant St., died Friday, March 19, at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center, where she had resided since October 2007.

Born Jan. 5, 1932, in Pittsfield, daughter of Chaloner O. and Minnie E. Langenbach Whitaker, she was a 1949 graduate of Pittsfield High School and attended Berkshire Business College.

Dorothy was a reporter for the Berkshire Eagle for 24 years, retiring in September of 1992. While there, she was recognized by her peers and community for her exhaustive coverage of Dalton and the hill towns on her beat. Her articles and photographs have appeared in the Boston Globe, Berkshire Living and various other publications.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Dalton where she served as a deacon for many years.

Dorothy was involved with many civic activities in Dalton, serving on the Historical Commission, the Finance Committee, the Housing Authority's citizens' advisory committee, The Dalton Community Cable Association, Dalton Beautification Commission, the Conservation Commission and the Dalton Bicentennial Committee in 1984.

Dorothy was an accomplished gardener, avid reader, but most of all delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and family.

She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Edward H. Chapman, whom she married May 15, 1954; he died Sept. 8, 2000.

Dorothy leaves her sons, Edward H. Chapman III and his wife, Mary, of Arlington, Texas, and Daniel W. Chapman of Cheshire; daughter, Amy C. Muldowney and her husband, Thomas, of Dalton; grandchildren Nicholas D. Chapman, Samuel C. Petithory, Eliza E. Petithory; sisters, Lillian J. Shields of Kingston, N.Y., Ruth I. Best of Holyoke, and a brother, Chaloner O. Whitaker of Texas.

She was predeceased by her brother, Leroy C. Whitaker, and sisters, Evelyn V. Fahey, Madeline L. Whitaker, Barbara M. Whitaker, and Minnie B. Sperling.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Dorothy W. Chapman will be held Tuesday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Dalton, with the Rev. William Imes officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashuelot Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the BARTLETT WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME.

Donations in her memory may be made to First Congregational Church of Dalton or to Joslin Diabetes Center in care of the funeral home, 525 Main St., Dalton, MA 01226. Thoughts and wishes may be sent to [email protected].

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

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Mar. 21, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Chapman

8 Entries

Theresa (Terrie) Gerwaski (Best)

March 28, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Cherie Dyer Gimlewicz

March 24, 2010

To the Chapman Family,

I was heartbroken to read of your mother's passing. I remember her warmly as a kind and compassionate woman. I enjoyed the days spent with her and your father. May all the special memories you have of both of them comfort you during this difficult time. God Bless.

Daniel Bellow

March 23, 2010

I was flat on my back sick and missed the funeral, but I want to say that Dot Chapman was a great reporter and a superior human being. I was a kid reporter at the Eagle and didn't know beans, and she was unfailingly kind and generous to me at all times whether I deserved it or not. My condolences to all her family.

Tom Muldowney

March 22, 2010

As Dorothy's son-in-law, I was able to see first hand, the love that that she shared with her family. Even if your name did not end with Chapman, it did not mean that you were not made to feel like family. I'll miss you everyday.

Bob Burke

March 22, 2010

Dot Chapman, a first class lady, a charming person, and a real pro- reporter. I knew her well. She shall be missed and also well remembered. Bob Bunt Burke,(The Man in the Tree).

March 22, 2010

to Chaloner Sorry to hear about Dot she will be miss She will be in our prayers friends always Terry& Virginia Willis Fl.

March 21, 2010

Amy, we are sorryto hear about your mom She was a lovely lady. You will be in our prayers Gives our condolences to your brothers for us love pete&georgie morrissey

Peter DelMasto

March 21, 2010

When Dottie was at the Eagle, she did a story about my walk across the state dribbling a basketball back in 1989. I found her to be a very warm and engaging person. My condolences...

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