NORWAY — Pearl M. Chaplin, 96, passed away peacefully on May 6, at Norway Rehabilitation and Living Center, where she had been a resident for the past eight years.

She was born June 12, 1916, in Greenwood City, the daughter of Ralph and Alice Herrick. Widowed at age 37, when her husband, Freeman died as the result of an accident, she worked hard to provide for her two children. She worked as a housekeeper year round and in the fall she would also pick and pack apples. Other jobs included driving a school bus for students attending the Waterford Memorial School and mowing two cemeteries (with a push mower!) in Waterford. Before retiring at age 65, she was employed as a housekeeper at Norway Nursing Home.

After retirement, she volunteered at the senior citizens meal site doing dishes (how she loved to do dishes!), went on bus trips and enjoyed going out to lunch whenever she had the chance. Her grandchildren remember fondly her knack for being able to recite every nursery rhyme ever written and she never forgot a birthday.

Nothing was more important or precious to her than spending time with her family and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved them with all of her heart. When great-grandchildren came along, she found room in her heart to love them just as much. She was thrilled when she got to meet her first and only great-great-grandchild, Colby. “Grammie” was the best grandmother in the world and they will all miss her more than words can say.

Pearl is survived by her son, Philip Chaplin of Waterford; a daughter, Marguerite Alberi and her husband, Jim, of Norway; grandchildren, Jamie Alberi and his wife, Susan, Dana Chaplin and his wife, Daphne, Patti Wyatt and her husband, Matt, Pam McAvoy and her husband, Rick and Kim Austin and her husband, Eric; great-grandchildren, Josh Chaplin and his wife, Chelsea, Sean Alberi and his fiancee, Brittany Kimball, Christopher Alberi, Rafferty Wyatt, Chancellor Wyatt, Calvin Austin and Mya Austin; and great-great-grandson, Colby Chaplin.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Jeff Chaplin; and daughter-in-law, Deanna Scribner Chaplin.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Norway Rehabilitation and Living Center for the loving care they provided their mother and grandmother for so many years.