Merle (Chapin) Beeney

Merle (Chapin) Beeney, age 95, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2014. Daughter of Ralph W. and Lottie (Meyer) Chapin, she was born in West Hartford on April 21, 1919. Merle, a life-time resident of West Hartford, graduated from Hall High School and then Russell Sage College. After college she was employed at Southern New England Telephone Company where she met her husband, Roland. They were blessed with 66 wonderful years of marriage until his death in 2013. Her life was filled with many interests; she was a talented seamstress making clothing for all the family – especially her children and grandchildren. She shared the hobby of photography with Roland and together they traveled the world taking beautiful pictures and participating in camera club competitions. Merle's church was very important to her having been a member of many committees and holding several offices in the Women's Guild including President. She was extremely proud that at the time of her death she was the longest tenured member of the church having joined April 13, 1933– 81 years ago. Mom was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Janet Burr and her husband Edward of Groton, CT; son Robert Beeney and his wife Denise of Burlington, CT; grandchildren Jean Burr and her husband John Colianni, Meghan Beeney, Matthew Beeney and two great-grandsons, Peter and Matthew Colianni; sisters Maryett Carl and her husband L. Howard of North Carolina and Melissa Tobakos and her husband Frank of Georgia; her sister-in-law Bernice Baxter and her husband Prescott of Windham, CT and many nieces and nephews. Mama, we love you all the moon and all the stars. Special thanks to her caregivers, Linnette, Monica and Sue from Companions and Homemakers, who lovingly cared for her. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 8, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 South Main St., West Hartford, CT with the Rev. C. Geordie Campbell officiating. Memorial gifts in Merle's name may be made to the Music and Fine Arts Fund at First Church of Christ Congregational, West Hartford. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.