Barbara Frances Chippendale

January 30, 1923 - November 23, 2020

Barbara Frances Chippendale, 97, a resident of SW Florida since 1985, formerly of Baltimore, MD, passed away Monday, November 23, 2020 in Cape Coral, FL. She was born January 30, 1923 in Lynn, MA to Ivor and Frances Burpee, now deceased.

Barbara was a crazy beautiful soul.  She loved beautiful clothing, jewelry, and bright colors.  Early in her life she did modeling for a department store and went on to be a buyer for that store.  Those who knew her knew that she was an accomplished seamstress making most of her own clothing.  She taught many people to sew over the years, except her own daughter for whom she continued to mend and hem clothing.  She laughed in the knowledge that her daughter would forever be taping or stapling her hems in her absence. 

She idolized and adored her older brother, Dick.  She told stories of their adventures away from the stern eyes of their mother.  On her last visit with Dick before he passed away, she took a picture of him.  He was sitting in the living room and they were cutting up much like siblings do.  She asked him to be serious so she could take his picture.  He smiled sweetly for the camera.  Months later, after he passed and the film was developed, we saw that final picture of Dick smiling sweetly to his little sister, while sending her a not so serious message.  

There were many stories of her courtship with Fred, but the cutest one was the proposal when Fred said “I think we have something special here.  If you feel the same, we will continue, if not let’s part ways”.  She thought for a half a second and said “Ok”.  Very romantic.  73 years proved that they did, indeed, have something special.  

She loved babies, all babies, her babies, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, children in the grocery store and children in pictures.  She loved to hold babies and take care of them.  She was a MOTHER for all.  Friends of all her children remember her fondly and were honored to be “adopted” as her own.  She was nurturing to all babies, including fur babies. 

She was extremely proud of her work in the startup and growth of the Bear Essentials school store and made some of her closest friends while at Roland Park County School from the 70’s through the late 80s”.  She hated to leave her friends but hated the cold winters and was happy to retire with Fred to Bonita Springs. 

She loved to travel and did travel much of the United States with Fred and the children.  She was able to travel to Europe with her daughter to Greece and Turkey in the 90’s and numerous cruises with family.  Two years ago went on her “bucket list” trip of a river cruise down the Danube.  Having breakfast while cruising through Budapest took her breath away, she enjoyed Viennese coffee and toured the Christmas markets.  She even got to see Paris for the evening on that trip. 

She loved to party and would always tell her family that when she passed she did not want any services, no tears, no ceremonies – she would say, “just throw a huge party and celebrate my life.  I am happy, I am really happy!”

She is survived by five loving children, Dana Chippendale (Nancy) of LeGrange, GA, Craig Chippendale (Margaret) of Baltimore, MD, Brent Chippendale (Jan) of Bedford, PA, Scott Chippendale (Kathy) of Clinton, TN, and Maura Chippendale (Marcelo Pignatta) of Miramar Lakes, FL; 12 grandchildren; as well as 18 great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick Earl Chippendale in 2016.

No formal services are planned at this time, just a huge party when it is safe to gather in a large group.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Barbara Frances Chippendale are suggested to The Darkhorse Lodge for combat veterans www.darkhorselodge.org, 1951 Swor Road, Springville, TN 38256 or Hope Hospice https://hopehcs.org/, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Maura Nov 27, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    She was always the life of the party and the light of the room

  2. Gretchen Catherwood Nov 27, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    Never in my life before meeting Barbara, have I ever experienced love at first sight. That changed the day we met. She was silly and sweet, goofy and courageous, free-spirited and daring, independent and loving, and as she would most likely agree, Miss Barbara was a real kick in the ass. When in physical therapy this year we agreed that for every step she took, I would do one push-up and she said it couldn’t be a “sissy girl” one either. She ended up walking 30 steps unassisted and to this day, I do 30 non-sissy girl push-ups every night.
    Miss Barbara is one of the most special people I have had the honor of knowing and I miss her enormously. I am grateful for the short time I was lucky enough to be her friend.

  3. June Mears Nov 27, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    Barbara and I spent months up to our chins in beads in the summer and fall of’ 2019. sorting beads, chasing them across the table, floor and wore our fingernails down to nubs with fetching them from strange corners.. We talked, laughed ,and complained day after day, but had a ball doing it. I.’m still playing with beads and missing my buddy.

  4. Craig and Margaret Nov 27, 2020 at 8:55 pm

    in loving memory
    Craig and Margaret

  5. Beth Anne MacDonald Nov 28, 2020 at 8:12 am

    Mrs. Chippendale embodied love. Visits with her always included hugs, laughter and joy. As I’m sure was true of all her children, she was her daughter, Maura’s, biggest fan and a conversation never concluded without a story or two of all the reasons why she was the best daughter ever. Their relationship was beautiful and one to cherish. I know there will be a hole in the hearts of her family. The gift is that it quickly can be filled with the many fond memories that have been created over her long and glorious life. Truly a life well lived. Hugs to all.

  6. Jessica Stella Nov 29, 2020 at 11:29 am

    We are so lucky to have known such a beautiful person.

  7. Debra Ferrari Nov 30, 2020 at 10:27 am

    I will miss Barbara so much! She was one of my biggest cheerleaders and ways always full of positive energy. She was a great light in this world.

  8. Kerri Bell Nov 30, 2020 at 10:30 am

    I loved reading her bio! She sounds like she was a really special person and live a long and full life of fun. Hugs and prayers to all and have a wonderful party in her memory!

  9. Paul Grant Dec 1, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    I am so saddened knowing that Barbara has left us and travelled to be by the side of Fred. I will always remember Barbara as being that bright light in any room always full of laughter and full of love. What I do feel in my heart is that Barbara wouldn’t want us to be sad or unhappy but remember and laugh at all those moments we had shared. So for me I would like to celebrate Barbara’s life by feeling so lucky that I knew her and she certainly brought so much happiness to my life.

    Paul G

  10. KIRK CATHERWOOD Dec 3, 2020 at 5:11 am

    Where do I start ? After knowing her probably the shortest time of anyone on here, she made her impression on our family fast and hard. She had all the qualities one needs to be an angel, right here in our midst. You, young lady, will be sorely missed by many.

  11. Craig Wolf Dec 4, 2020 at 10:19 am

    Such a bright light Barbara was, is and will always be.

  12. Steven Myhre Dec 12, 2020 at 1:31 pm

    Barbara was one of the most beautiful souls I have ever had the pleasure to have known. Her light shown brightly on this world and now it shines brightly in Heaven.
    She will be missed but never forgotten.

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