Helen S. Chatman

Helen Siefert Chatman, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 10, 2023. Helen grew up in working class Philadelphia. She was the daughter of a grocer/butcher and a homemaker/baker. She met her husband Bill on a blind date. They married when they were 21 years old, and formed a partnership that lasted over 7 decades and took them to every continent (except Antarctica!) Early on, they raised their three daughters, Linda, Sandy, and Sue, in New Jersey, where Helen was active in Girl Scouts and church activities. Her life as the consummate hostess began there. In 1973 she and Bill began their worldwide travels, ultimately building homes in London (twice), Milan, and Paris. Helen became an enthusiastic citizen of the world, entertaining everyone from world business leaders to weary college backpackers. She knew how to make people feel comfortable. No one was ever turned away, no one was ever hungry, and everyone left knowing more about the city and culture they had just visited. After spending a decade in London (1986-1996) where Bill was CEO of Foster Wheeler Ltd., they retired to Essex, Connecticut, where Helen continued to deploy her many talents on behalf of friends, family, and a myriad of organizations. She was an active volunteer at St. John’s Church (notably on the Altar Guild and Hospitality Committee), The Essex Garden Club, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Middlesex Hospital, and The Child and Family Agency of Southeastern CT. Helen is survived by Bill, her husband of over 70 years; her daughters Linda Chatman Thomsen (Steuart), Sandra Chatman Loether (Paul), and Susan Chatman Webb (Nick); her grandchildren Martha and Will (Bitsy)Thomsen, Sarah Loether, Molly, Kyle (Kim) and Lucy Webb; her great grandson Hudson William Webb; and numerous other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Essex, CT or to the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Connecticut. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, July 21, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3 Cross Street, Essex, CT.