Jane E. Chappell
November 30, 1944 – October 19, 2021
The family is planning a private graveside service to be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrier Project, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 76, passed away early Tuesday morning, October 19, 2021. Jane was born in Kalamazoo on November 30, 1944, the daughter of Clair E. and Marguerite (Steere) Chappell. Jane was a graduate of Portage Central High School and earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Western Michigan University. She had a distinguished career as a teacher. Her first job was as a teacher in Worms, Germany. She then transferred to Ramstein Air Force Base where she taught for the government for ten years. She returned to the United States and taught in Spring, TX for five years. She later returned to Kalamazoo where she taught in the Kalamazoo Public School System, working in the latter part of her career at Woods Lake Elementary. Jane was an avid genealogist. She researched and found Pilgrim ancestors and 14 Revolutionary ancestors. She was a member of the Kalamazoo Genealogy Society, the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, and a former member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of Civil War. She enjoyed traveling and had been to many European countries as well as Egypt, and throughout the United States. Jane is survived by her sister, Nancy (Jack) Koole of Kalamazoo; nephews, John (Sharon) Koole of Kalamazoo and Jerry (Connie) Koole of Tennessee; great-nephews, Daryl, Jason and Gavin; great-nieces, Racheal and Makayla; and countless friends.
Jane was a wonderful member of the Lucinda Hinsdale Stone chapter, NSDAR. Although she hadn’t been able to attend for several years, I appreciated that she was still willing to be a committee chair while I was regent. Her quiet wisdom was always appreciated. I will treasure my memories of her. She will be missed.
I met my distant cousin Jane through genealogy researching and what a treasure I found!! We enjoyed a research trip to the Painesville, Ohio area and had a wonderful time. She taught me many great research tools, explored amazing libraries together and shared lots of laughs and jokes. I wish she didn’t have to go but I am glad she isn’t in anymore pain. I will miss her greatly!
I knew Jane through the Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society (KVGS) & the Lucinda Stone Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). We had both been teachers & shared the love of travel & of research. We had lots of conversations about finding ancestors & also the places we’d traveled to in pursuit of them. I sought her help whenever I ran up against a research obstacle. And she was always willing to listen & give me advice. I will miss her.
Hi, so sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. We did genealogy to getting going on many trip together. She will be missed by many.
My name is Richard W. Chappell of Hockessin, Delaware. I’m 95% sure that I corresponded with this Jane via the internet since about 2015 concerning probable family connections. It seems that through DNA we are related back to the immigrant George Chappell. We have not proved that. My brick wall is Lester Chappell (1791-1828) of New London, CT. He was a mariner who apparently died at sea. He is my GGF. I would be pleased if anyone is interested is corresponding with me. My address is rwc49ps54ud@comcast.net.
Oh, no!!! I’m so sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. I met Jane in Worms, Germany. She had received a transfer to Ramstein, Germany. She was a wonderful teacher. Our Germany Dept of Defense Overseas teachers group kept in contact every Christmas…sort of like a Christmas card reunion. She will be greatly missed and the first of our group to pass on. God bless you, Jane. We will have a reunion in heaven.
I found out about Jane’s passing today, March 29, 2022. My condolences to the family. Jane and I taught together at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. She was a wonderful friend and teacher. We had been in touch since I left Germany in 1976. She will always be remembered by me. May she rest in peace.