Phoebe Chapin

BARRE - Phoebe Walcott Chapin, 81, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of Walcott and Margaret (Kanaly) Chapin. Phoebe spent her childhood in Barrington where she was active in training her bull terriers until contracting polio at age 15. She was brilliant and a fighter and went on to attend Vermont College, where she was her class Valedictorian. After college she lived with her parents in Williamstown and had a long career as a medical transcriptionist at National Life and Gifford Hospital.

Phoebe was an avid traveler before her disease decreased her mobility. Throughout her life she was fiercely independent and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a devoted Patriots fan and Episcopalian, though in recent years became a member of the Barre Congregational Church, where she contributed in many ways.

She gave generously to causes that she cared about, including the Vermont Food Bank, Salvation Army, and the Humane Society. Animals held a special place in her heart, always, and though she never married or had children she was the doting mother to many cats and dogs throughout her life.

She will be greatly missed by her nieces Loring Cheney of New Ipswich, NH and Galen Cheney of North Adams, MA.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Rosina Cheney.

A service of remembrance will be held as part of the regular worship service on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Barre Congregational Church, 35 Church Street, Barre, VT 05641.