Phoebe Lydia Chapman

NEWPORT, RI, - Phoebe Lydia Chapman, 92, of Roslindale, MA, died Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. She was married 41 happy years to the late Richard E. Chapman. Born in Everett, MA on February 6, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Christie G. and Grace Tokas.Phoebe was a lifelong member of the Roslindale Congregational Church. In addition to church work she was also a Girl Scout leader and active in community interests. As a girl Phoebe was taught to play piano by her father and was proficient in both classical and church music. For over 25 years she faithfully traveled to Park Street Church, Boston on Sunday afternoons to play for her fathers Greek Protestant services held there. She also entertained many friends over her lifetime with rousing renditions of popular songs. Phoebe devoted her life to fulfilling her many family responsibilities. Her husband Richard was the love of her life and together they created a happy home where many friends came to be welcomed and nurtured. They organized neighborhood 4th of July block parties and were loved by many in the neighborhood and in their community. Phoebe loved the Arnold Arboretum and for several years worked in the herbarium there. For the last two years of her life she happily lived at the Sophia Snow House Assisted Living in West Roxbury where she was known as The Ambassador. She was a happy woman who loved to laugh and will be remembered that way. Phoebe particularly loved children. She is survived by her daughter Elaine Williams and her husband Rick of Newport, RI, her grandsons Richard Brandariz of Portsmouth, RI and Alexander Brandariz of Newport, RI and her great grandsons Dylan and Luke Brandariz of Portsmouth, RI. She was predeceased by her brothers Leander and Harold. A celebration of her life will be on March 7, 2009, at 2:00pm in Roslindale Congregational Church, 25 Cummings Highway, Roslindale, MA.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Goodwill Industries Fresh Air Camps for Children, 1010 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02119.