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Jean Chaplis Obituary
She is survived by her beloved husband of 26 years, Russell A. Chaplis; three daughters: Lisa J. (Curtis) DiMiceli of Staten Island, NY and her husband Vince P. DiMiceli; Wendy M. Curtis of Holden; and Capt. Cindy L. (Curtis) Callisto of Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. She leaves her two cherished grandchildren, Ashleigh J. Curtis of Holden and Vince M. DiMiceli of Staten Island, NY; her aunt, Florence Sandstrand of South Yarmouth; and several nieces and nephews.
Jean was born in Worcester on Oct. 31, 1947 to the late Richard W. and Ingrid L. (Ekman) Olson. She was predeceased by her sister Janis I. (Olson) Graham of Worcester.
Jean was raised in Worcester and graduated with honors from both Bancroft School in 1965 and Syracuse University in 1969. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, she became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.
Among the highlights of her military career was supervising a staff of 35 in Seoul, Korea and serving as one of the first and youngest women to command an integrated battalion in the U.S. Army while stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va. She was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for notable achievements three times. After nearly a decade of proud service, Jean separated with the rank of major.
She then climbed the ladder of the banking industry. Most recently, she worked as a clerk at Holden Discount Oil for several years before retiring in October 2009.
Jean was a globetrotter and especially proud of her Swedish heritage. She was a passionate reader of historical fiction and mystery novels and created beautiful pieces of needlework and Chinese brush paintings. Jean collected dolls from around the world and was a patron of local artists. She was an active member of Opera Worcester and the Worcester Art Museum.
Above all, Jean was a loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother and she will be sorely missed by her forever-grateful family.
Calling hours will be held in the Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester on Monday, May 3, 2010 from 5 to 8 pm. The funeral service, with military honors, is to be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Jean Louise Chaplis to: the Worcester Art Museum, Attn: Development, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 or Trinity Lutheran Church's Good Samaritan Fund, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester, MA 01609.
For directions or to leave a message of condolence in Jean's on-line guestbook, please visit:
NordgrenMemorial
Chapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Chaplis
Kevin Doucet
May 12, 2010
Russ, I am so sorry to learn of your loss, may the speacial memories you had together help ease the pain of your loss and know your Family and You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark Belliveau
May 7, 2010
To my "Uncle" Russell,
Thinking of you in your time of sorrow,,,again. May God Bless you, buddy.
Love Always
Grace McMillan
May 3, 2010
Deepest respect and condolences to the Chaplis family at this tragic time. Sisters in the military, WAC Chspter 97, Hernando.
Mary Johnson Muna
May 3, 2010
My prayers are with your family. I was the first woman high scholl BN Commander of the ROTC program and your mother was an inspiration to us all. I know you miss her and are proud of her. It shows in your own accomplishments. May your love of family give you peace during this time of sadness.
May 2, 2010
To my dear friend Lisa..I send my deepest condolences to you and your family at this sad time. Your mother seemed beautiful inside and out. She will always stay with you. Until we meet again...take care friend.
Eileen McMahon, New Jersey
patricia curtis
May 2, 2010
Russ, May the love of family and friends help comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Pat Curtis
Patricia Curtis
May 2, 2010
Lisa, Wendy and Cindy,
May God Bless you all and give you the strength to get through this most sad time of your lives.
I have many great memories of your Mom, we shared some really fun times.
With Love and Prayers,
Aunt Patty
May 2, 2010
Russ - We are so sad to know of Jean's passing. It was a privelege and honor for us to travel together with both of you in China last July. Jean was so intelligent and observant - no details were missed by her. And, her constant loving glances towards you Russ and her frequent warm remarks about her daughters were wonderful to see and hear. Too brief a friendship for us, but we were pleased to share just a bit of Jean's life with both of you. Our hearts break for your sadness and loss. Mimi and Pete Leavitt - Newton MA
Jessica Jusseaume Weremchuk
May 2, 2010
Cindy - You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I know you will celebrate her life beautifully and always remember, God has another beautiful angel at his side and she will be forever watching over you and yours. Take care.
Christina Fish
May 2, 2010
Wendy, I am so sorry for your loss. You have always been a strong person and I hope you you can find your greatest strength to help you cope during this difficult time. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
May 2, 2010
"Cindy, You and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mother will be watching over you and blessing you with all of her memories", Craig & Penny (Salem, Oh)
Laura
May 2, 2010
I'm saddened upon reading of Jean's passing. She was very good to me when she was my supervisor at the 'bank'. She helped me, in the early years there, in ways she probably never knew. I will always be grateful for that. My heart and prayers go out to the Chaplis family.
Nancy & Gerry Burbank
May 2, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ken, Kerry Erickson, Obert
May 2, 2010
Wendy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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