Obituary of Winifred Reynolds Chase

Winifred Reynolds Chase died peacefully at Essex Meadows Health Center on Wednesday, November 7th, 2012. A lifetime resident of Connecticut, "Win" was born September 14, 1909 in New Britain. She graduated from New Britain High School (class of 1927); Arnold College in 1930; New York University (B.S. 1939, M.S. 1941). A lifelong educator, she also took courses at Columbia and earned a certificate of advanced studies from the University of Hartford. Over a thirty-year period at New Britain High School she taught physical education and health and she served as Assistant Vice Principal and Dean of Women for 22 years. During WWII, she took a leave of absence and volunteered to serve in the American Red Cross. Her duties associated with the 3rd General Hospital from 1942-45 took her to North Africa, Italy, and France as they closely followed the advances of the 3rd Army under General George S. Patton. In 1968, she left New Britain High School for a position as college placement counselor at the Ethel Walker School. She retired in 1974 and enjoyed active life growing vegetables and beekeeping at her Apple Hill farm in Vermont and golfing and bowling with her many friends in West Hartford. In 1983, she married "the love of her life", Rear Admiral Irwin Chase Jr.; they shared 17 wonderful years living together on the River Road in Deep River until his death in 2001. Her parents, Harry and Leila Reynolds, her sister Ruth, and her brother Ralph also predeceased her. She is survived by her nephews John Cunningham of Deep River CT, Peter Cunningham of Tallahassee FLA, and neices Teresa Beam of Evanston IL and Christina Postema of Ann Arbor MI. Throughout her life, Mrs. Chase spent most of her summers, holidays, and the last two decades of her life at her beloved "Rivernolds" home on the Connecticut River. Her affinity for the natural world and passion for out door physical activity was reflected in her many avocations: farming, boating, swimming, hiking, skiing, golfing, camping, and painting. For many years, she was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church and the Hartford Golf Club. She also was strong supporter of many nonprofit organizations including the Bushnell Center for the Arts, Mystic Seaport, and Connecticut Audubon. Her faith, her work ethic, and her loyalty and dedication to her family, friends, students, and her country were all truly remarkable! Winifred Reynolds Chase's exemplary life of 103 years served as an inspiration to all who knew her. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, November 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint John's Episcopal Church, Main Street, Essex, CT. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following: St. John's Episcopal Church P.O. Box 422, Essex, CT 06426, The American Red Cross, Connecticut Chapter, 209 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, 06032, The Deep River Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 274, Deep River, CT 06417 or The Connecticut Audubon Society, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824. To share a memory of Mrs. Chase or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com . Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.