Jane Margaret Carlson Chapin
Jane Margaret Carlson Chapin, widow of William S. Chapin, Jr., died on June 10, 2013 in Austin, TX at the age of 90.
Formerly of Spring Lake, Michigan, Jane was an Austin resident since 2004, when she and her husband Bill moved there for the warmer climate and proximity to their son James and daughter-in-law Patricia.
Born on August 24, 1922 in Muskegon, MI, she was the first child of Margaret Bauman and Emery Carlson. Jane was an adored wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, and aunt.
She graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1940, where she had met and later wed the love of her life, Bill, on October 21, 1943. She was employed as executive secretary at Sealed Power, Inc. until moving to Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1944, returning to Muskegon post war.
Jane derived great pleasure and satisfaction from building and maintaining her home of 46 years in Spring Lake, MI, filling it with love and devotion to family and friends. Good times were highlighted singing together with her at the piano. She greatly enjoyed organizing and hosting social events, travel, and her garden full of “posies.”
Jane was a member of the First Congregational Church of Muskegon, was active in its Women’s Church Circle, as well as Muskegon Women’s Club, providing piano accompaniment and modeling for fundraising events. Jane was also a member of Spring Lake Country Club and Spring Lake Yacht Club.
Jane is survived by her two sons and two daughters, William S. (Toko) Chapin III of Edwards, CO, James C. (Patricia) Chapin, MD of Austin, TX, Sally Chapin Langham of New York, NY, Ann Chapin (Vadim) Fischer of Ridgefield, CT, six grandchildren, Matthew Chapin, Lauren (Scott) Watson, Trevor (Sarah) Chapin, Miles Chapin, Anastasia Fischer, and Hannah Fischer. She is also survived by brothers-in-law James Moreen of Michigan and Robert Chapin of California, sisters-in law Rita Cox of California and Phyllis Jennings of Michigan, as well as 27 nieces and nephews across the country.
Jane was predeceased by her husband William in 2008, sister Eloise Moreen in 2003, and brother William Carlson in 1989.
A memorial service will be held at Remembrance Gardens in Austin, TX. Visit our guestbook at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral and Cremation Services, www.wcfish.com. The family suggests memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Settlement Home for Children, 1600 Payton Gin Road, Austin, TX 78758, www.settlementhome.org.