Laurie J. Chipperfield

Stonington - Laurie J. Chipperfield, 57, of Stonington, passed away Oct. 11, 2024 at her home after an extended illness. She was born in Westerly, the daughter of Robert and Diane (Brustolon) Chipperfield.

Laurie attended Stonington Public Schools and graduated from Stonington High School where she was an athletics captain and recognized by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference with a Scholar-Athlete award. She went on to earn a chemical engineering degree from Northeastern University and her MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Laurie worked for Pfizer, in Groton, in Puerto Rico, and in Manhattan, N.Y. She had the privilege to lead a Pfizer team dedicated to scientific development and supply of larger quantities of critical COVID vaccine ingredients. In 2021, she was selected by the Connecticut Technology Council to receive a "Woman of Innovation" award for her scientific leadership. Laurie retired in 2023, as an executive director in Pfizer Chemical R&D, following a 34-year career.

Laurie had the opportunity to travel widely. She enjoyed meeting people on walking and cycling trips in Europe. She appreciated spending time in the Naples, Fla. sunshine. She had a love for music, studying piano and attending theatre and concerts. Laurie enjoyed rooting for the Boston sports teams. She cultivated perennial gardens wherever she lived. Laurie loved spending time with her niece and nephew and sharing their accomplishments with her friends and colleagues.

She was an active member of Dunns Corners Community Church and served her churches as a worship assistant, youth group leader and leader of the Board of Trustees. She volunteered with several local organizations including Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sister Sheila Wolman (Adam) of Mount Kisco, N.Y.; and her niece and nephew, Justine Wolman and Owen Wolman; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The funeral will be celebrated with calling hours from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18. preceding the service at Dunns Corners Community Church Presbyterian, 221 Post Road, Westerly. Interment will follow at River Bend Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Westerly Library, 44 Broad Street, Westerly RI 02891, or the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase Street, Pawcatuck CT 06379. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street, Westerly, R.I. For online condolences: www.buckler-johnston.com.