Hazel B. Chappell's Obituary
Hazel Bernice Chappell was born in Putnam, Connecticut on December 22, 1920 and died on April 13, 2021 at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, Massachusetts at peace with her life. She celebrated her 100th birthday at Bluebird Estates in Massachusetts where she lived for several years. She was a longtime resident of Union, Connecticut moving in on D-Day. Hazel’s husband of 69 years, Donald Chappell, who died in 2013, was the love of her life. She leaves two adult children, Raymond Chappell married to Sarah Estell Chappell of Union, Connecticut, and Suzanne Chappell Mercure of Gloucester, Virginia. She recognized that she successfully raised two children and would acknowledge that she sometimes had a third child when Don entered the activities with Ray and Sue such as rolling snowballs or water fights. Hazel’s dad, Charles Barrington, was a significant force in her life as a child and later as an adult by modeling generous and caring practices. She was involved in many activities in Union including the Library Board, School Board, Ladies Benevolent Association, and Union Fire Department. She supported her husband in management of the Barrington Chappell business and her children in all their activities and education. She will be remembered for these as well as her knowledge of history and ability to remember all her reading from biographies, historical novels, Time and Life magazines, and Smithsonian. She was an accomplished seamstress learning to make clothing, drapes, and slipcovers to keep her home bright and cheery. An annual event with her children was making rolled cut Christmas cookies. Whoever had a cookie where Santa’s arm did not stay attached got to eat the cookie. Flour, sprinkles, and frosting were in the clean-up. Hazel enjoyed the travels she did with Don to historic places such as Hyde Park, Queen Mary ship, Hearst Castle, Washington DC, New England leaf watching, Newport mansions, Nixon Library along with others, Disney World (with her “kids” for the celebration of 50 years of marriage), and other places. She had much to add with her knowledge of history. Keeping in touch with her childhood friends and family over the years was another important aspect of her life. The 4th of July celebration at Chappell’s provided a great mix of friends and even unknown family who showed up one year. That year was especially memorable since with cousin came outside asking for help in the bathroom where a chipmunk who had escaped from the cats was swimming in the toilet! Good laugh which Hazel greatly enjoyed. She subscribed to the “sense of humor” club. The breakfast group she and Don joined always provided great conversation and more jokes! Hazel had many stories she shared about her life and experiences. 100 years!!! No services will be held. She will be buried in Union Center Cemetery, Union, CT. Donations in her name may be made to the Union Volunteer Fire Department, 1049 Buckley Highway, Union, CT 06076. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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