Obituary of Fay P. Chamberlin

     Aleath Fay Patno Chamberlin, 86, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019, at the UVM Medical Center, surrounded by her children following a short illness.  Fay was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Donald, December 23, 2018.

     Fay was born February 8, 1932 in a farmhouse on the McBride farm in South Hero – the second child of Ellsworth Nelson and Pearl Prouty Patno. She attended school in South Hero, Milton High School, Champlain College and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers at Salve Regina in Newport, RI   She served the Town of Grand Isle and Town School district for over thirty four years, as elected auditor, assistant clerk and then elected town clerk and treasurer.

     She met her future husband and love of her life, Donald I Chamberlin while roller skating at Cedar Ledge in Grand Isle.  They were married soon after high school on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1950 in the South Hero Congregational Church. 

     Don and Fay became devoted members of the Grand Isle United Methodist Church soon after they were married and made their home in Grand Isle. They were recently honored by having the new Fellowship Hall named for them and felt very humbled by this gesture.  While growing up in South Hero Fay was a member of Mrs. Howe’s 4-H sewing club.  This instilled in her the love of sewing and as her girls were growing up she led a 4-H Sewing Club and taught sewing and crafts to many young girls and to her own daughters. Some of these girls now have successful quilting or other craft businesses. Don directed the Grand Isle County and the State 4-H Band for many years and Fay was always there to help arrange rehearsals and details as the Band traveled to many parades and functions.  For all of their dedication, Don and Fay were named Vermont State Honorary 4-H Leaders in 1978. They enjoyed attending the school activities of all of their children and grandchildren and would jump in the car and travel to Maine or Ct. to attend sports or music events or graduations.  Don and Fay enjoyed packing a lunch and traveling the back roads of their beloved state of Vermont.  They had visited nearly every town.   Fay joined Island Chapter #73 Order of the Eastern Star in 1959. She was a Past Matron, served in several offices and was a Past Grand Ruth as well as Past Grand Wife when Don served as Worthy Grand Patron of Vermont.

     Fay loved history and deeply loved the Champlain Islands and the Town of Grand Isle and its people.  The many years spent as town clerk gave her the opportunity to be closely involved with the residents as she lovingly carried out the duties of a town clerk and treasurer. She was also a Justice of the Peace and performed many weddings. When the State celebrated the Bi-centennial in 1991 she took on the Grand Isle two year celebration and spearheaded many activities to raise money to Save the Corner School or Block School.  She worked tirelessly on this project and in saving the Historic Hyde Log Cabin.    

     Nothing pleased Fay and Don more than to have their home filled with their children and their friends, sitting around and having a great time.  This extended to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  The July 4^th camping week at the lake was an annual affair. The challenge to be first to take the plunge each spring was always on.

     Fay is survived by her four children:  Glenda (David) Leake of Grand Isle, Bradley (Carla) Chamberlin of Grand Isle, Patty (Richard) Backus of Waitsfield, and Todd Chamberlin of Oakland, CA.

By her Grandchildren:  Jonathan Leake (Jenna), Jared Leake (Tina), Jeremy Chamberlin, Sara Chamberlin Santor (Matt), Jordon Chamberlin, Jesse Gentile Robinson (Dan), Stacy Gentile Watson (Pete), Melissa Gentile Baker (Scott), KC Chamberlin. Hillary Pedersen Bethel (Chad), April Backus and Katie Backus Kowalski (Chris).

Great Grandchildren:  Otto, Jude, and Maeve Leake, Jasper Santor, Ethan Chamberlin, Elise Robinson, Forrer, Garrison, and Ramsey Watson and Landon Baker,  Jordan K. Chamberlin, Hunter Baker, Kyle Smith, Julie and Jennifer Kowalski

Brothers:  Lee R. Patno, Gary Patno.  Sisters:  Ruth Fienemann, Sandra Sweeny (Raymond).

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as members of Donald’s family who were all very dear to her.

In addition to her parents and grandparents she was predeceased by her brothers, Ellsworth P (Bud) Patno and Elon Y. Patno and sisters-in-law Virginia and Judy.

Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 4 to 7 pm in the Minor Funeral Home, Route 7 in Milton. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 28^th at 11 am in the Grand Isle United Methodist Church, Hyde Road in Grand Isle. Don and Fay will be buried together later in the spring in the Grand Isle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Grand Isle United Methodist Church, c/o Christina Norton, 281 East Shore Road North, Grand Isle, VT 05458