Jean L. (Olson) Chaplis

Jean Louise (Olson) Chaplis, 62, of 7 Cheryl Ann Dr., died on Thursday, April 29, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 26 years, Russell A. Chaplis; three daughters: Lisa J. (Curtis) DiMiceli of Staten Island, NY and her husband Vince P. DiMiceli; Wendy M. Curtis of Holden; and Capt. Cindy L. (Curtis) Callisto of Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. She leaves her two cherished grandchildren, Ashleigh J. Curtis of Holden and Vince M. DiMiceli of Staten Island, NY; her aunt, Florence Sandstrand of South Yarmouth; and several nieces and nephews.

Jean was born in Worcester on Oct. 31, 1947 to the late Richard W. and Ingrid L. (Ekman) Olson. She was predeceased by her sister Janis I. (Olson) Graham of Worcester.

Jean was raised in Worcester and graduated with honors from both Bancroft School in 1965 and Syracuse University in 1969. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, she became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.

Among the highlights of her military career was supervising a staff of 35 in Seoul, Korea and serving as one of the first and youngest women to command an integrated battalion in the U.S. Army while stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va. She was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for notable achievements three times. After nearly a decade of proud service, Jean separated with the rank of major.

She then climbed the ladder of the banking industry. Most recently, she worked as a clerk at Holden Discount Oil for several years before retiring in October 2009.

Jean was a globetrotter and especially proud of her Swedish heritage. She was a passionate reader of historical fiction and mystery novels and created beautiful pieces of needlework and Chinese brush paintings. Jean collected dolls from around the world and was a patron of local artists. She was an active member of Opera Worcester and the Worcester Art Museum.

Above all, Jean was a loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother and she will be sorely missed by her forever-grateful family.

Calling hours will be held in the Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester on Monday, May 3, 2010 from 5 to 8 pm. The funeral service, with military honors, is to be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Jean Louise Chaplis to: the Worcester Art Museum, Attn: Development, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 or Trinity Lutheran Church's Good Samaritan Fund, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester, MA 01609.

For directions or to leave a message of condolence in Jean's on-line guestbook, please visit:

NordgrenMemorial

Chapel.com