Alison Ann Chapman

Alison Ann Chapman (née Faulkner) passed away peacefully at home in New Haven on March 9, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born on February 3, 1933, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Alison’s early life was marked by creativity and academic prowess. During her college years, she shone as a beauty queen, was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and made her debut as an Ak-Sar-Ben Countess in Omaha. A proud “Cornhusker”, she graduated from the University of Nebraska with honors.  After college, she moved to New York City, where she was a buyer for Lord and Taylor.  She then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Art Education from Penn State. After completing her studies, she married Frank Chapman at New York’s Little Church Around The Corner, and the couple subsequently relocated to New Haven so that Frank could complete his graduate degree.

Her life was enriched by adventure from the start. After her husband Frank graduated from Yale Architecture School, he received a Fulbright Scholarship, and the couple spent a year living in London, England. Their love of exploration took them on a unique journey camping through Europe in the back of their car—a trip for which they still have thousands of slides (almost all of them showcasing buildings) as a reminder. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Alison, Frank, and lifelong friend Michael Rubenstein—whom they had met during that Fulbright year—returned to Europe. They enjoyed a Viking Cruise through France ending the trip in Paris, with Alison proudly taking the photographs this time!

Alison devoted much of her life to education and service. In the early 1970s, she led the Parent-Teacher Association at Barnard School before advancing to the role of PTA president for the City of New Haven. She enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career as Director at School Volunteers of New Haven, influencing countless lives along the way. Under her leadership, the program flourished, growing to include 500 volunteers annually across 44 schools. She played a key role in expanding mentorship programs and fostering partnerships with Yale University and other institutions to train and place student volunteers.

Her talents and passions extended well beyond her professional work. From an early age, Alison loved acting and graced the stage of productions at Hayloft Theatre—a professional venue housed in the converted barn on her father’s horse farm. Ever self-effacing, she humorously dubbed herself the “conveniently located ingénue.” As a gifted artist, she excelled in painting with oils and watercolors, as well as sculpture and pottery. A skillful seamstress, she lovingly made many of her children’s clothes when they were young and crafted imaginative Halloween costumes ranging from Raggedy Ann to Snoopy.

Music was another of Alison’s great loves; she possessed a fine singing voice and taught herself guitar in the 1960s, developing a deep appreciation for folk music. It wasn’t a party until the guitar came out. As a young girl, she enjoyed ballet but later embraced modern dance, performing locally in New Haven.

Her clear, resonant voice lent itself to recording textbooks for the blind, making her contributions truly invaluable. Alison was also active in civic affairs, serving as president of the North End Club from 2012 to 2014 and giving her time to many volunteer activities. In 1983, she was recognized as an Elm in the Elm-Ivy Awards for her efforts to strengthen town-gown relations between Yale University and New Haven. Later, in 1987, she became the founding house mother of the Zeta Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Yale University.

Even after retirement, Alison’s energy and commitment endured.  She managed her husband’s office and continued to volunteer her time.  Bridge, New Haven Symphony, Long Wharf productions and gardening kept her busy.  A dedicated fan of UCONN women’s basketball, she and Frank became hooked when their games started to be broadcast on Connecticut Public Television in 1994—and no one ever dared get between her and the television when the ladies were playing.

Alison is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Frank Chapman of New Haven; her son, Robert Chapman of Omaha, Nebraska (fiancée Sue Collin); her daughter, Elizabeth Chapman of Redmond, Washington; and her cherished granddaughters, Lucy Hill Chapman and Vivian Hill Chapman of Omaha. She is also survived by her brother, Richard W. Faulkner Jr. (Carol) of Lincoln, Nebraska. She was predeceased by her parents, Mildred and Richard William Faulkner of Lincoln.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, located at 2300 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, CT. A graveside service will follow at Grove Street Cemetery, with friends invited to join the family for luncheon at the New Haven Lawn Club, thereafter.

Alison Chapman’s legacy is one of service, creativity, and unwavering commitment to family and community. She enriched countless lives through her work in education, her volunteer spirit, and her artistic talents.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to: Planned Parenthood or Malta House (Norwalk, CT):  Malta House Donation in Memory of Alison Ann Faulkner Chapman