Lillian Lorraine Chappell
January 20, 1923 - December 23, 2014
Obituary
Lillian Lorraine Iyall Chappell was born on January 20, 1923 in Toppenish, Washington to Frank and Ida Mae Smith Iyall. She was the seventh of nine children. At the age of 2 ½ the family moved from Toppenish to the family homestead in Nisqually, Washington. She attended grade school in Lacey and spoke proudly of the mile they had to walk to catch the school bus. Lillian graduated from Olympia High School, always a proud “Oly Girl”. After high school Lillian attended Seattle University and the University of Washington.
She met Jacques her husband at the University of Washington. They were married in 1948 and settled down in Seattle. As her family began to grow Lillian was always very active in all of her children’s activities. Whether it was sports or ballet classes she was always there. Somehow while raising six children she found time to always be heavily involved in volunteer work at St Therese or at O’Dea. Her passion to help others only increased as her children grew up and away. Lillian began working at the Indian Studies Department in 1974 at the University of Washington and would be a key cog in the success of countless Native American students that came through the program. At the university she was introduced to her next passion, Husky Football as a result of Blaise playing football there. She was a season ticket holder and led countless trips over to cougar country for games. She loved her Husky. As she got older she continued to support next generation of Chappell’s whether it was ballet or sports she was there. She enjoyed numerous trips with her children that included The Rose Bowl, The Aloha Bowl and trips to Hawaii and Europe.
Lillian was strong believer in family and always made sure traditions were kept in place such as visiting the family cemeteries to pay her respects to family members each year without fail. She valued the family homestead and the strong history that it represents.
Lillian always enjoyed family functions and always maintained a sharp humorous sense of humor. She was never one to shy away from a good time.
Lillian provided a strong foundation and set a high standard for family and friends to follow. Her wisdom, wit and commitment to family and friends will be greatly missed by all of us. We were truly blessed to have shared in her time here on this earth. She fought hard at the end and I am sure she did not depart this world until she we would all be okay. Her legacy will live on in all of us.
She was a wonderful role model as a mother and a free spirit in her own way. My sisters and I will always be grateful for her generous hospitality.
Our prayers are with the entire family. http://bonneywatson.com/obituaries/2014/12/Lillian-Lorraine-Chappell.html#
Aunt Lillian was an inspiration to all of us, we loved her dearly.
I have so many special memories of the times we spent in Seattle and Nisqually visiting her and the entire family. She will live in our hearts forever. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Loved Lillian. Still do. I was at the UW from the Fall of ’76 to Spring of ’83. I was in the EOP Program. Earned several degrees. Lillian was everywhere and kept tabs on all of HER students. She was always interested in how we were doing. In later years I would run into her at various events and especially at the UW Pow Wow. She was always positive constantly showed that she cared. I will miss her deeply. My condolences and regards to her family.
Philip
A very helpful, long enduring friend to me and Women Studies.So sorry she is gone.