Audrey Chapin

CHAPIN, Audrey (Hadden) Audrey (Hadden) Chapin, 82, of West Hartford, wife of the late Arthur B. Chapin, lost her courageous battle with cancer on Friday, (February 16, 2007). She was born Audrey Elizabeth Hadden in Milford, on December 26, 1924, the daughter of the late Raymond J. Hadden and Hazel (Runge) Hadden. Audrey and her family lived in Connecticut her entire life moving from Milford, to Stratford, and finally to West Hartford where she has lived since 1966. She lived independently until the very end of her life, the last years being in her home located on Pleasant St., in West Hartford. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be remembered by everyone who knew her for her tenderness, affection, honesty, courage, good humor, and the ability to comfort others. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed going to movies, the theater, traveling, and the symphony, but most enjoyed talking with her tremendous circle of friends and family on a wide range of subjects from politics to recipes. For 22 years Audrey was the Parish Secretary for St. James's Episcopal Church where she organized church events and ministered to parishioners who were shut-ins, providing pastoral care. She was recently recognized by the parish as their Woman of the Year for 2006. She is survived by her six children and their spouses, Ruth H. (Chapin) Eaton of Newtown, Robert R. Chapin and his wife, Susan of Springfield, VA, John A. Chapin and his wife, Janet of West Hartford, Susan M. (Chapin) Manzi and her husband, Raymond of West Hartford, David A. Chapin and his wife, Patty of Albrightsville, PA and Charles A. Chapin and his wife, Charity of Cumberland, ME. She also leaves a step-daughter, Lorraine James and her husband, Sam Martone of Red Wood Valley, CA. In addition, she leaves behind two brothers, Stewart C. Hadden and his wife, Betty of Milford, and Gerald J. Hadden and his wife, Jean of Derby. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Audrey was a loving gentle soul and will be deeply missed. The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Susan Tannenbaum and the kind nursing staff of the UCONN Health Center, as well as the nurses at McLean in Simsbury. At her request, there will be no calling hours. The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 24, in St. James's Episcopal Church, 1018 Farmington Ave. West Hartford at 10 a.m. and interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, directly following the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Women of St. James's 19 Walden St. West Hartford, CT 06107.