Kathy Lee Chartier

Kathy’s life was marked by steadfast devotion—to her family, to her faith, and to the work she approached with uncommon diligence. She carried herself with quiet strength and a generous spirit, offering care and consideration to others in ways both practical and profound.

A dedicated professional throughout her career, Kathy served as CEO of Members Credit Union in Stamford. Her leadership reflected both discipline and vision, including her forward-looking commitment to hiring bilingual employees. In recognition of her lasting contributions, she was inducted into the Credit Union Hall of Fame, and her work is honored in exhibits at the Credit Union Museum in Manchester, New Hampshire. Instrumental in the development of credit unions, she helped shape institutions built to serve and strengthen the lives of others.

Kathy’s sense of purpose extended well beyond the workplace. A faithful member of Danbury First Congregational Church, she taught Sunday school with patience and sincerity. She also gave her time as a den mother for her sons’ Cub Scout pack, bringing steady guidance and a caring presence to the children and families she supported.

Travel was one of Kathy’s great joys, and she embraced it wholeheartedly—visiting all seven continents. In a way that reflected her tireless commitment to service, she often combined her professional mission with her love of seeing the world, including establishing a credit union for the Nairobi Police Department while on a safari.

Kathy was married for over 55 years to Russell Chartier. She was the proud mother of two children, Russell and Jason, and cherished their families. She also dearly loved her “fur baby,” a golden doodle, whose companionship brought comfort and warmth to her days.

Kathy Lee Chartier will be remembered with gratitude and respect—for the compassion she showed, the faithful life she lived, and the hard work through which she made a meaningful difference. Her legacy endures in the family she loved, the community she served, and the institutions she helped build.