MERIDEN, NH — Annamay Nancy Chapman passed away peacefully at her home of 52 years in Meriden on Friday, September 13th, 2019. She was 86. Her last day on earth was filled with love, laughter, and many warm hands. She met God with a full heart and open arms. Annamay was born in West Canaan in 1933 to Leonard L. Sr., and Doris Miller LaFlam. A child of the depression, she was tough, resourceful, and giving of herself. Traits that would serve her well throughout her nine decades. Her family moved to Meriden when she was 13. She graduated from Lebanon High School and shortly thereafter married Frank James Chapman in June of 1951. They raised five children; Jim, Nancy, Debb, Doug, and Jan. Annamay worked fulltime, kept their home, and still found time for the PTA, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Meriden Volunteer Fire Department, the Meriden Grange, and to be a ballot clerk. She was employed by the Meriden Telephone Company, PR Publishing for 15 years and retired from the Dartmouth College Rental Housing Office after 21 years. Her favorite part of her last job was the opportunity to open or close the College’s cottage in Maine. The sound of waves on the rocky coast always lifted her up and a love of the ocean ran deep. Frank passed away in 2001 and Annamay set herself on a new path. Her love of reading found an outlet as an assistant at the Meriden Library. Annamay could always be seen through her large picture window reading a good book late into the evening. An avid crafter she taught her daughters and granddaughters to sew and later joyfully made quilts for victims of domestic violence, homeless veterans, and many others. Always her own worst critic when it came to talent, her hand-sewn quilts were cherished by all they kept warm. She supported the lives and activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in many ways, giving her time and energy. Perhaps her greatest gift to other peoples’ joy lay in the first bite of one of her famous whoopie pies or molasses cookies. Those who have tried to duplicate her recipes know they will never come out just right, the secret ingredients being the love in Annamay’s heart and wisdom in her whisk. She spent many years in service to her faith. She was baptized in West Canaan, was a member of Meriden Congregational Church, and later attended Plainfield Community Church. Those who knew Annamay knew a kind, generous, and tough woman. Her last years in declining health were hard on all, but she remained hopeful and a fighter until the end. Annamay is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Frank, her parents, her sister Irene and brothers Francis and Robert, her sister-in-laws Eva, Lena, Laura, and June. She is survived by her brothers Leonard and Arthur LaFlam (wife Joanne), sister-in-laws Ann and Cindy, children Frank James Chapman, Jr. (wife Melissa), Nancy Chapman Elliott, Deborah Chapman, Douglas Chapman (partner Deb), Janice Chapman Allen (husband Hazen). Also grandchildren, Patience Marsh (husband Carl), Frank James Chapman, III (wife Jessica Ann), Katie Jo Chapman (fiancee Suzie), Megan Chapman (partner Jason), Samantha Martin (husband Nicholas) and Stephanie Smarsik. Great-grandchildren including Hannah and Connor Martin and Dakota and McKenzie Chapman. Also many nieces, nephews, and a large circle of loving friends. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to those who cared for her these past 18 years, including the Cornish Rescue Squad, the Plainfield Police, the Lebanon Fire Department, the Visiting Nurse Association, and her team at Dartmouth Hitchcock. Calling hours will be at Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Sunday, September 22nd, 3-6 pm. A celebration of her life will be held at the Meriden Congregational Church on Monday, September 23rd at 10 am. Burial to follow at the Mill Cemetery in Meriden. All are welcome.
To leave a message of condolence please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.