Mary Chappa

1944 - 2025

Mary Chappa
August 28, 1944 - May 11, 2025
Mary Antionette Chappa (Moffa), age 80, passed away on Sunday, May 11th, in her Oxford home. She was the cherished wife of husband William J. (Bill) Chappa. Born on August 28th, 1944, in Mt. Vernon, NY, Mary was the middle child of the late Angelrose and Michael Moffa, who gave her four other beloved siblings. She is predeceased by her younger sister, Michelle Ayr, and her husband, Arthur Ayr, who have sons Chip, married to Michelle, and Phillip. Mary's other siblings include older sisters Theresa and Katherine Moffa, and brother Carmine Moffa, who shares son Michael with his wife, Daryn.
Married for 59 years, Mary and Bill complemented each other in every way. The two met at a Memorial Day party at Compo Beach. He proposed on her birthday in 1965. Their love lives on in their three children, whom she and Bill raised in Fairfield, CT, and their nine grandchildren: William Jr. Chappa, married to Camii Chappa, and their children Kady, Maria, William J. III, and Giovanni; Michael Chappa, married to Heather Chappa, and their children Jack and Emma; and Mary Katherine Verrelli, married to John Verrelli, and their children Juliana, Kathryn, and John William.
Mary moved to Westport, CT in 1959, where she worked in the Transit department at Westport Bank & Trust. Mary's greatest gift was that of family. She played an active role in her large one, fully embracing the titles of daughter, wife, mother, niece, cousin, and aunt to her many cherished nieces and nephews. She was also a loyal friend and trusted community member, opening her home to babysit the children of friends, family members, and neighbors full-time. Her unwavering love, devotion, and generosity touched all who knew her.
Adoringly known as "Mimi" by her grandchildren, Mary can be remembered for her willful and tenacious spirit. She was a natural storyteller who would recount animated childhood sagas of growing up with four siblings and a single mother in Mt. Vernon. Her green thumb was evident by the amount of hydrangeas and other perennials adorning her yard; she was an avid crafter and sewer, a lover of jewelry and a good soap opera, and always had her car radio tuned into the Elvis station. Anyone will be able to remember her exuberant, resounding laugh that she kept even through the hardest stages of her illness.
The family would like to thank everyone who cared for Mary as she fought her battle with Parkinson's disease. In respecting Mary's wishes, her immediate family said their final goodbyes during a private service at Harding Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, they ask that you consider making a donation to the National The Parkinson's Foundation or the Diabetes Foundation.