Wendy Deborah Wood Chapple

Wendy Deborah Wood Chapple, beloved mother, sister, daughter and friend, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her daughter-in-law. She was the daughter of John Meyer Wood and Marion Emilie Peters. Ms. Wood was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 50 years, William Dismore Chapple, and her brothers John Meyer Wood and Clayton Peters Wood. She is survived by her son Samuel, her daughter-in-law Jamie, her cherished granddaughter Alison Chapple, her sisters-in-law Virginia “Chrissi” Cabot Wood, Carol Wood, and many nieces and nephews.

Born in New York, Ms. Wood graduated with her Bachelor cum laude from Vassar College in 1962, and received a Master of Arts from Stanford University in 1964, where she met her husband Bill. Her career included positions as Senior media specialist Aetna Life & Casualty Company, Hartford, Connecticut, 1972-1989; Media writer, producer, director at University Connecticut Center for Media and Technology, Storrs, 1989—2006; President Chapple Films, Inc., since 1972.

An avid photographer and film maker, Ms. Wood recorded family events and captured landscapes and historical places throughout the world. She achieved many awards for her skills as a writer and film maker. Her works include Yankee Craftsman, 1972, Alcoholism, Industry's Costly Hangover, 1974, Draggerman's Haul, 1975, Flight Without Wings, 1977, Auto Insurance Affordability, 1981 (2 awards), Where Rivers Run to the Sea, 1981 (award), Our Town is Burning Down, 1982 (6 awards), Wellness at the Worksite, 1984 (4 awards), Aenhance, 1989 (3 awards), and Tiffany: Magician in Glass. Her son’s most favorite films, Yankee Craftsman and Draggerman’s Haul are currently under restoration. The latter film chronicled the wooden fishing fleet of Stonington, Connecticut.

Wendy was passionate for traveling, sailing, scuba diving, quilting and photography. She chronicled many gatherings and family events from behind the lens of a camera. Her collections of photographs and films will be as cherished as she will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sea Music Festival, at Mystic Seaport.