Mary E. Chappel (1924)

CHAPPELL, ROBINSON, THOMSON

Posted By: Kent Transier (email)
Date: 8/29/2009 at 12:25:12

Winterset Madisonian
Thursday, February 21, 1924
Page 7, Column 1

Earlham

The funeral of Mrs. Chappel was held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. R. Thomson on Monday afternoon, Rev. Fink, pastor of the Presbyterian church, having charge of the service. Benjamin Chappel, a son of Mrs. Chappel, and brother of Mrs. Thomson, who had arrived the previous day, with Mr. and Mrs. Thomson, left on Monday evening with their mother’s remains for Charlestown, Prince Edward Isle. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson will remain to visit relatives for a couple of weeks. Mrs. Chappel had been in Earlham with her daughter quite a good deal the past few years and had seemed one of our community. She will be much missed by many and her daughter has the sympathy of friends in her loss.
_________________________

Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, February 14, 1924

Mary Ellen Robinson, daughter of Isabella and Thomas Robinson was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, and passed very peacefully to her reward at Earlham, Iowa. She was married to J. J. Chappell and to them was born a family of two sons and three daughters. After many years of joyful and devoted companionship she gave up her dear husband who had so long helped her along life’s pathway, his going was only made easier for her by the glorious hope of being re-united some glad day.

In 1908 Mrs. Chappell gave up a daughter also, and with her and many others of former generations she will at last be united.

Mrs. Chappell’s life of seventy-seven years has been one of service, sacrifice and love for others, and her devotion to her family and home has been one of its striking features.

In her last few years, spent at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Thomson, in what to her was a new country and amidst new friends. Mrs. Chappell’s helpful and encouraging example has shown as a bright planet in a starry firmament. Few people of her years could adjust themselves to strange surroundings as she did, and ever since her coming to Earlham five years ago she has made friends, friends who loved her and admired her splendid womanhood in delightful association.

With busy hands and active mind she spent her latter days, and those nearest to her lovingly testify to her unusual charm as mother and friend. Young and old alike found joy in her presence; her ready with, her good, solid, sense, her cheery disposition and uncomplaining nature, together with a steadfast trust and belief that her life was safely held and directed by her. Heavenly Father, who she daily glorified and proclaimed, all combined to make the rare and beloved woman found in Mrs. Chappell. When a few years ago she suffered a serious illness God spared her still to bless lives, and when stronger in health she enjoyed a visit to her beloved family in her native land. Later she happily returned to the tender care found in the little house in Earlham, which she had then learned to know as home.

Never quite recovered in health, but cheery and uncomplaining she faced her last sickness of only a few days, and this time these two who had so often soothed and cheered her, had to let her go.

A loving family and many friends will miss her, but tenderly cherish her memory, and who would keep one who was so tired and worn, who was so sure of her Father’s welcome, and had long since held herself ready to do His Holy Will. Mrs. Chappell was a devout member of the Episcopal Church. The loving hands of a devoted son will take her to her resting place, and there with sorrowing hearts her family will lay her frail body beside her fond companion, but her examples and deeds of kindness will long linger a shining tribute to the useful and obedient life of a child of God.