Jacqueline Jean Beech Chapin was born December 27, 1925, in Atlantic, Iowa, and passed away March 7, 2019, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Jacquie was the greatest woman that ever lived. She was our mom. She gave us birth, she fed us, she taught us right from wrong. She was a tremendous example for us to follow. We will miss our mother eternally.
Mom learned the complexities of managing juvenile diabetes for her daughter with only the small pamphlets from the doctor and good common sense. She learned to care for her 12-year-old daughter with special diets and by boiling glass syringes with hand-sharpened needles in order to inject her insulin.
She devoted her entire life to raising her children. Her daughter become a speech pathologist and a national diabetes trainer. Her son is the award-winning world-class Head Brewer for the Empyrean Brewing Company where he creates and hand-crafts specialty beers and ales. Mom was dedicated to supporting her husband while he was on the national stage as a legendary pioneering radio executive since 1953.
Jacquie was the only child of Earl Edward “Ivan” and Emma Behrendina Beech. In her childhood she spent much of her after school time at the general store her parents owned. She often napped on the big sacks of beans they sold. She excelled at piano and tap dance lessons.
After graduating from high school she attended business school and started a career in administration. Later she met the sweetheart of her life, Richard W. Chapin when he worked at the Atlantic, Iowa, Chamber of Commerce. They married and later moved to Lincoln where he made KFOR Radio a household name.
Mom was a beautiful, elegant woman, and an avid reader. She also parented a couple of really cute Miniature Schnauzers over the years. She and Richard traveled the country and the world collecting trinkets and memories.
Mom was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Lincoln Country Club for many years. She was a rabid supporter of Husker sports. She was a fantastic cook and could prepare a dinner buffet for a crowd that was out of this world, especially with BBQ ribs. She was master of the pumpkin pie. She also won State Fair blue ribbons for her knitting projects.
Doctors and staff from Bryan Hospital and Tabitha once remarked that mom served as inspiration to other cancer patients. She made life’s trials look easy and she approached them with grace and dignity.
Mom leaves behind fond memories for her husband of almost 70 years, Richard W. Chapin, her daughter Debora Lietzen and husband John, her son Richard B. Chapin and wife Sarah, granddaughter Margaux Pinkston and husband John, and her great grandchildren Aubrey, Maelee, and Landon.
We would like to acknowledge Tabitha and the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center for the loving care and support they gave to mom and her family during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be send to First Presbyterian Church, 840 S 17th St, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508, or Friendship Home, P.O. Box 85358, Lincoln, NE 68501
A reception celebrating mom’s life will be held Friday, March 15, 2019, from 12:30 – 2:00 pm at the Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill. She will have a private burial at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.