Janet Chapman, 97

Janet Lois Chapman, age 97, passed away on March 5, 2020, surrounded by loving family. Janet was born in Tupper Lake on November 29, 1922, daughter of Abraham "Jack” and Estelle Clifford. She graduated from Tupper Lake High School, attended Russell Sage College and graduated with a BA in Education from Plattsburgh State University. Janet married Charles James Chapman II in New York City.

Janet loved everything and anything Adirondacks. From hosting Adirondack Artists Art exhibits to spending a day on the lake in her canoe...there was nothing more important than supporting Adirondack endeavors, both personal and community. Throughout Janet's life she dabbled in all kinds of art forms, striving to discover her own artistic expressions. From being an exquisite seamstress designing costumes for local musicals, researching how archeologists work after discovering local artifacts, to starting local efforts to bring “Fresh Air” children and Foreign Exchange Student Programs to Tupper Lake, Janet worked with diligence and purpose. Janet taught her children to love all the things she loved: Nature, environment, wildlife, visual and performing arts, reading, education, philosophy, and more. She was a great listener and many strangers soon became friends flocking to her home where they were welcomed and embraced.

Janet was the driving force behind the restoration of Historic Beth Joseph Synagogue and dedicated 20+ years bringing its National Historic Registration to fruition. She served 40 years on the board of Goff Nelson Memorial Library feeling strongly that providing books to the community was of utmost importance.

Janet is survived by her daughters, Lynn S. Reandeau of Tupper Lake, Carol B. Chapman of Ventura, CA, Ann E. Stone of Clinton, NY, Jacklyn L. Chapman of Cortland, NY. and son Charles Chapman of Denver CO. She loved her two granddaughters, Jennifer Stone Liese of Walla Walla WA and Erin Stone Rutherford of Manchester, NH.; eight great-grandchildren Eleanor, Felix, and Margo Liese, Archie Rutherford and Michelle, Jesse, Jasmine and Lily Chen and her late-in-life best friend and adopted daughter, Crystall Vaillancourt. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles and parents, Jack and Estelle. A Memorial Celebration will be held this coming summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of her passions: Beth Joseph Synagogue, Goff Nelson Memorial Library, or a performing arts or wildlife organization of your choice.

Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.