Ethel Jessie Chapman

EDGARTOWN, Mass. – Ethel Jessie Chapman, 97, of Edgartown, Mass., passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 28, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on March 4, 1928, in Waterville, Maine, she was the daughter of Elsmore M. Penney and Eva M. (Latulippe) Penney.

Ethel grew up on her family’s Penney Hill Farm, in Waterville, which was a well-known establishment in the area. In her youth she enjoyed milking cows, making cider, growing vegetables, and assisting in running the farm stand. She often told stories about various winter adventures she took, on the back roads of Maine, while riding in the rumble seat of her family’s Model T Ford, covered by a buffalo fur blanket for warmth.

Ethel graduated from Waterville High School in 1946 after which she made the decision to pursue a career in nursing. In 1950 she graduated nursing school and became an RN. She met her first husband, Ken Carter, of Edgartown, Mass., while he was working for North East Airlines at Waterville Airport which was across the street from the farm. On Sept. 30, 1950, they married and Ken was transferred to Martha’ Vineyard Airport with north East Airline made the decision to move to Edgartown Ken’s home town. There they bought a house and had three children.

In May of 1956, Ethel was widowed when Ken unexpectedly passed away during an operation at Martha’s Vineyard hospital. This was a challenging time for a young mother with three children ages five three and two, but with support from family and friends that Ethel never forgot. Ethel worked hard as a nurse to raise her three young children. In 1957 she met Robert H. Chapman, known for playing golf at Edgartown Golf Club. He held the course record of 26 for years. In February of 1958 they were married and together they had a Jeffrey bringing her total number of children to four. Ethel settled down to island life raising her four children and working as a private nurse.

In addition to her family and work life, Ethel loved searching for antiques and hidden treasures. She spent many hours bargain hunting at estate and yard sales both on and off island. She loved the bartering process, always looking for the best deals. In her retirement years she would go on to open and operate the Edgartown antique store, Everything But.

Through the years Ethel was an active member in the Edgartown: Women’s Club, Garden Club, Methodist Church, and the Council on Aging. In her later years Ethel immensely enjoyed her weekly lunches, companionship, and bridge games at The Anchors in Edgartown. At the age of ninety she proudly became a member of the DAR, as an ancestor to Salathiel Penney, from Waterville, ME, who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Ethel is survived by one sister, Ruth Weeks of Florida; her children, Jessica Townes, James Carter, and Jeffrey Chapman, all of Edgartown; as well as, 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. She was predeceased by her daughter Susan Burns and sister Rebecca Coffey.

A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown.

Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online guest book and information.

In lieu of flowers,

the family is asking donations to be made to:

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard or to:

Edgartown Council

on Aging