WESTFIELD: Nancy J. (Kirwin) Chamberlain, 81, (1940-2021) passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021 at home. She was born in Westfield to the late Raymond E. and Dorothy L. (Wood) Kirwin. Nancy graduated from Westfield High School in 1958, where she was a majorette with the high school band. She received a certificate in Early Childhood Development from Greenfield Community College and worked as a preschool teacher for Stone Mountain Nursery School for many years where she enjoyed putting the needs of children first. Nanc and Fred met at Babbs Roller Skating Rink in West Suffield Connecticut as young adults, and in later years enjoyed country dancing at the Tumble and Southwick Inns to the music of Mike Baker and the Country Gentlemen. Famous for her love of shopping, Nancy was known by name in stores of several area malls. She also enjoyed going to craft fairs, and spending time with family and friends. She cherished the long tradition of weekly Saturday Tea with her mother and sisters.
Nancy is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Frederick W. Chamberlain, Jr., her loving sons, Frederick W. Chamberlain, III and his wife Amy of West Springfield and Kevin R. Chamberlain of Westfield. Nancy also leaves her sisters, Dorothy Daley of Westfield and Susan Boccasile and her husband Guy of Venice, FL, as well as her sisters-in-law Mary Ehresman of West Springfield and Carol Teller of Westfield.
In addition to her parents, Nancy was also predeceased by her brothers-in-law George Ehresman and John (Jack) Daley. Nancy will be sorely missed by her four cherished grandchildren, Annie, Daniel, Sarah and Michael Chamberlain, as well as many nieces and nephews, including John (LuAnn) Roberts, Laura T Roberts, Karen (Joseph) Noblit, Peter Ehresman, Michael (Alison) Daley, Chad (Kari) Meyer, Timothy (Kristen) Daley, Kimberly (Billy) Lamirande, Aaron Boccasile and many more great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held Monday, October 25, at 9AM from Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St., Westfield, followed by a liturgy of Christian burial at 10AM in Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Rd., Westfield. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, October 24 from 2-5 pm at Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St., Westfield.
Nancy will always be remembered for her kindness and compassion toward others. If someone was in need, she was always there to help. The family would like to extend sincere and heartfelt thanks to Amy and everyone at Baystate Hospice Services for exceptional support and care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s name may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. www.firtionadams.com
