The Rev. Barbara Boersma Chaffee

1938 - 2025

The Rev. Barbara Boersma Chaffee

December 6, 1938 - September 15, 2025

Green Bay, Wisconsin - The Rev. Barbara Boersma Chaffee, 86, of Green Bay, WI (formerly of Raleigh, NC), passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 15, 2025.

Barbara was born on December 6, 1938, in Sheboygan, WI, to the late Dr. John J. and Beatrice (Mueller) Boersma. After graduating from East High School in Green Bay, WI ('56), she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Wheaton College in Norton, MA ('60), and a Master of Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL ('90).

She began her career at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in NY. Barbara later married her first husband, Thomas A. Norton, and raised their family in Bedford, NY. Returning to Green Bay, she worked as a medical assistant. She later answered a call to ministry and was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1990. Over the next two decades, she faithfully served at Grace Episcopal Church (Menominee, MI), St. Augustine's Episcopal Church (Wilmette, IL), St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Windsor, NC), and Christ Episcopal Church (Raleigh, NC).

An avid sailor, birdwatcher, nature lover, reader, and golfer, Barbara was also a passionate music lover and singer and was a member of the Grace Notes in NY and the Green Bay Community Chorus, among others. She enjoyed traveling, watching movies, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. In her ministry, she found joy in supporting youth and counseling young married couples. She will be remembered for her strong faith, sharp intellect, quick wit, commitment to serving others, and open-hearted spirit.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Emily Norton of Duluth, MN, and Laura Jacquier (Laurent) of Viroflay, France; four grandchildren, Lucy Petrick, Lily Petrick, Elliot Jacquier, and Emma Jacquier; her sister, Brenda Bell-Whitebear of Riverside, CA; and many beloved parishioners, friends, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Thomas K. Chaffee, Jr.; her first husband, Thomas A. Norton; her sister, Patricia K. Boersma; and her parents.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, WI, where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, the Rev. Thomas Knowlton Chaffee, Jr. For more information, please contact her family at revbchaffeememorial@gmail.com.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate teams at St. Croix Hospice and the Village at Eden Vista in Green Bay for their outstanding care and loving support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Episcopal Church Foundation or the National Audubon Society.