Eleanor Jane Chapin

On February 1, 2024, Eleanor Jane Chapin passed away peacefully with family by her side. She was 98 years old. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Eleanor was born on February 11, 1925 in Dixon, Illinois to Wanda Williams Lang and Alvin L. Lang. She grew up in Urbana, Illinois and was a proud graduate of the University of Illinois while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Correction. She met her future husband, Richard E. Chapin, of 60 years when he returned to Illinois from World War II. They were married in 1949. Together they were a very formidable team, with their eye - first and foremost - on the health and welfare of their family. In fact, her family muses that she often invoked her degree in speech correction as she raised her three children. Eleanor and Dick lived briefly in Urbana, Illinois; Tallahassee, Florida and Norman, Oklahoma before settling in East Lansing, Michigan in 1955.

They were both active on MSU's campus and throughout the greater Lansing community. Eleanor volunteered with the Lansing Urban League Guild, the Lansing Women's Symphony Association and the Wharton Center Inner Circle. She served as President of the East Lansing Women's Club, President of the Kappa Alpha Theta East Lansing Alumni, was Treasurer of the MSU Faculty Folk and Treasurer of the Friends of the East Lansing Public Library. She was an avid reader and lit up when conversing about books, movies and current events. And, she loved chocolate! As a couple they enjoyed supporting MSU cultural and sporting events, traveling with family and friends, playing doubles tennis among many other interests.

Eleanor was predeceased by her parents, Wanda and Al, and her husband, Dick. She is survived by her sons, Bob (Karen) and David (Laurie); her daughter Becky (Sharon O'Leary); her grandchildren Robert, Jason (Nikki), Andrew (Camy), Cari (Keith) Cravotta, Elle and Alex; and her great-grandchildren, Melodee, Jason Jr., Carson, Kaila, Caleb, Alaina, Camden, Davis and Alice.

She leaves behind a life very well lived and a family that learned from her and cherishes the many happy memories she created. Her keen mind and sharp wit were ever-present throughout her life. She will rest in peace as she joins hands once again with her loving husband, Dick. Her spirit will live on through her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 11, 2024 (which would have been her 99th birthday) at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until the time of service. Guests are invited to a reception that follows. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the MSU Library, 366 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824 or a charity of your choosing in Eleanor's memory.