Katharine Mason Chapman

Katharine Parke Mason Chapman, known to all who loved her as Jinx, died peacefully on March 23, 2026, at her home in Briarcliff Manor, New York, surrounded by her family, friends, and beloved pets. She was 79 years old.

Jinx was born on Friday, December 13, 1946-hence the nickname that would follow her through a remarkable life-the third child and second daughter of John Tenney Mason Jr. and Frances Colquhoun Mason. She grew up at Squirrel Hill Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland, where she first developed the love of animals and nature that would define her throughout her life.

She attended Glenelg Country School and graduated from St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Virginia. She went on to attend the University of North Carolina and later graduated from Pace University in New York.

In 1964, Jinx married Max Carroll Chapman Jr., and together they built a life centered on family, community, and a shared passion for giving back. She was a beloved mother who raised two sons, Max Carrol Chapman III (Tom) and Parke Mason Chapman. The family made their home on Sleepy Hollow Road in Briarcliff Manor, New York, in New York City, and in Jackson, Wyoming, places where Jinx became a cherished community member.

Her life reflects quiet but meaningful influence: loyalty to family, generosity toward the people and institutions she valued, and a record of support for education, culture, health, and the natural world. Jinx is remembered in the public sphere not for self-promotion, but for steadfast presence and thoughtful giving. She was a Board Member of Historic Hudson Valley, and generous supporter of Open Door Family Medical, Breakthrough T1D, SPCA of Westchester, amongst many others.

Jinx was known for her sense of humor, her quiet strength and athleticism, sound judgment, fairness, and modesty. She treated all - no matter how powerful or humble - with equal measures of respect and wit.

She is survived by her son, Tom, and his wife, Ana; her son, Parke; her grandchildren, Max, Audrey, Morgan, Hadley, Mason, and Hunter; and the father of her children, Max. She was predeceased by her mother and father, her sister Heather and brother Edmund. She is also survived by her brother Tenney and her sister Mary Mac.

Her burial at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, will be private. Information regarding the celebration of life in Briarcliff Manor, New York, will be provided at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to your local animal shelter to honor Jinx's love for rescue dogs, many of whom she provided with a loving home.