Obituary of Thelma A. Chapin

GOUVERNEUR – Thelma A. Chapin, age 88, of Gouverneur, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Country Manor Nursing Home in Carthage. Funeral arrangements with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur are private for her family. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Donations in memory of Thelma may be made to the VFW Dads Post #80 or the Gouverneur Senior Citizens Group. Thelma was born on November 24, 1927 in Fowler to the late John H. and Louetta (Lacy) Backus, Sr. She married Merton D. Chapin on August 19, 1943 at her parents' home in Fowler. Thelma and Merton owned and operated dairy farms in the Gouverneur area before purchasing the Dexter Home Bakery that they operated for 15 years. After retiring from the bakery they moved back to Gouverneur. They spent many happy years in their band together, The Country Travelers. Merton died on November 30, 1998. Thelma was a member and past President and Treasurer of the Gouverneur Senior Citizens Group, was in the Gouverneur Senior Kitchen Band, and was an actively involved life member of the Gouverneur VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Her survivors include three daughters, Loretta and Con Rice, Linda Haney, Nancy and Ron Richardson; a son, Gary Chapin and Lila; two sisters, Marlene and Bob Quarry, Mavis Cole; and a brother, Donald Backus; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband; three brothers, John "Junior", Roland, and Douglas Backus; and two sisters, Madeline Closs and Elaine Newcombe.