Carol Ann Fuller Chaffee passed away February 23rd at the age of 89, leaving a legacy of kindness, strength, devotion and family love.
Carol was born May 2, 1929 in Englewood, New Jersey to Floyd Merrick and Anna Louise Sanford Fuller. She was the 3rd of 4 children and shared her childhood with brother Bob and sisters Marge and Jean. Growing up in Tenafly she had fond memories of walking home from school for a mid-day meal, summers at Green Pond and watching baseball and hockey in NYC with her Dad. Always “Colly” to her family, she treasured her family and childhood.
She attended Tenafly High School and graduated from Keuka College in upstate New York, earning a degree in biology. While working in New York City at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, she took a trip west with girlfriends. She fell in love with the beauty of Montana – the mountains called to her. She decided to embark on a new adventure, far from her eastern roots, and make Montana her new home. While working for Continental Oil Company in Bozeman she was set up on a blind date with a handsome young man working for the Forest Service, George Chaffee, who would become her life partner. In October, 1954, they were married in Bozeman, and she began a new adventure – the one she was most proud of – raising her family. George’s work took them to Missoula (where son Jeff was born), Miles City (daughter Patty), Prineville, Oregon (daughter Jean), Helena (daughter Lola) finally landing them in Clancy (daughter Dianne) where they would spend the next 25 years in their home on Lump Gulch. Carol was active in the Clancy community, following her children’s school activities, teaching Sunday school, being a 4-H leader, and enjoying the home extension club. She had many friends in the community that she held dear and never missed a sporting event, music recital or academic endeavor of one of her kids. When the children were all in school, she returned to work at St. Peter’s Hospital laboratory and pathology department. She enjoyed the important work and many wonderful friends she made there.
During the empty nest years Carol was a hard-working, knowledgeable partner with George in his range management and forestry consulting business, traveling throughout the state. Her knowledge and data gathering grew to an expert level. They also experienced life in other parts of the state, living in Eureka, Ulm, and the Bitterroot Valley before finally returning to Helena, where George, after 57 years of marriage, passed away in 2011. Carol then set out on her final adventure – life on her own again. She continued to live independently in Helena until a few months ago, making new friends, cheering on her favorite teams and spending precious time with her family. A loyal Grizzly, Gonzaga and Mariners devotee, she was the ultimate fan.
A pie-baking extraordinaire, her family assumed every gathering would feature one of “Mom’s pies”. Chocolate cake, sourdough pancakes, choke cherry syrup…..balanced by home grown vegetables and preserves. Carol had a green thumb, producing yields no matter where she lived.
Carol’s role as Grandma and Great Grandma was treasured and she meticulously kept track of ages, birthdays and what they were up to, never hesitating to do some bragging amongst her friends.
Carol is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister, Marge, and her granddaughter, Jessica.
She is survived by her son Jeff (Julie) Chaffee, and daughters Patty (Bruce) Bell, Jean (Zach) Pallister, Lola (Randy) Ramey and Dianne (Steve) Sigler as well as grandchildren John, Carolyn, Neal, Jayce, Nicole, Cody, Casey, Kali, Chase, Cole and Valerie. She is also survived by 19 great grandchildren, her brother Bob, sister Jean and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service with brunch will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 24th at 1st Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing St. in Helena with a graveside service to follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Memorials in honor of Carol are suggested to the Montana Native Plant Society at www.mtnativeplants.org. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Carol.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday May 24, 2019
1st Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Luncheon
During memorial service
Wednesday April 24, 2019
1st Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 24, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday May 24, 2019
1st Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Luncheon
During memorial service
Wednesday April 24, 2019
1st Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 24, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kat & Russ Nolen says
So sorry to hear this. You guys have had too much lately. Praying for peace and comfort in these hard times.
Kat & Russ Nolen
Michelle Kottke says
So sad to hear about your loss. My god give you all peace at this time . Sending our love , Dan and Michelle
Valerie and Bob says
Jeff and Julie and family,
Remembering the few times we met your sweet mom. Sorry for your loss.
The obituary was a lovely tribute to a special lady.
God’s blessings and peace and comfort to you all..
May your many memories buoy you up on tough days.
With loving condolences, 💕
Valerie and Bob
Valerie and Bob says
Jeff and Julie and family,
Remembering your special mom
and what a lovely tribute her obituary was.
May God’s blessings and all your fond memories
keep her close always until you meet again.
With loving condolences,
Valerie and Bob
Tom Reilly says
Chaffee Family,
Your Mom/Grandmother was very kind person. She put people around her immediately at ease. I remember those polite manners all the way back to Clancy grade school things in the late 1960’s,- fifty years ago now. She and George left a legacy as one of those Clancy families that everyone knew. Take care,
Tom
Carol Nisbet says
Carol was my table partner while we were at Big Sky Rehab. We started to visit and found out we knew many of the same people, then found out our kids went to school together at Boulder High School. We shared many memories during those weeks we were there. We looked forward to gathering in the dining room so we could continue our visits. I am so sorry for your loss, loosing your Mom and Grandmother has to be the hardest. Your family are in our prayers!
Cheryl Vukasin says
Dear Chaffee Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Randy & Cheryl Vukasin
Tonna Strasko says
Jeff and Julie, our thoughts and prayers are with both of you. God bless you both.
Tonna and Joe Strasko