Grace Arlene Chamberlin's Obituary
Grace Chamberlin, Silver Spring resident at Riderwood entered heaven on Saturday November 18. She was 90 years old.
Grace was born in Sellersville Pennsylvania on February 4,1933 to her parents Daniel & Florence Rosenberger.
In her high school years, Grace was a Majorette for the Philadelphia Eagles and worked as a telephone operator for the Bell System. She met Harold Fretz and was married April 12, 1952. Harold and Grace enjoyed big band music, dancing and camping. They had 3 daughters (Debbie, Donna & Diane) and in 1965 moved From Drexel Hill Pennsylvania to Bowie, Maryland. Harold was transferred from his job in Philadelphia to a new position in Washington DC with the Bell System.
Grace was a stay at home mom for several years. Later she starting working at the Prince George’s Public school system as a Special Ed aide, which later lead to her career in the Public School Records office. She retired after several years.
Tragically the family lost their middle daughter Donna in December 1977. Harold died in 1983.
Grace rebuilt her life and met her soul mate James Chamberlin with whom she lived with in Annapolis, Maryland and The Villages Florida. Grace and Jim loved Florida and enjoyed playing golf, dancing on the town square, square dancing and traveling to many places with their dance teams. They loved to travel and cruise the Caribbean and enjoyed motor-home travel going across the country and visiting the parks. The family enjoyed visiting in Florida and riding the golf cart around the villages, visiting Disney and sitting on the porch watching the sun sets over the lake.
Grace was a crafty person, teaching her daughters to sew, cook and love crafts. She was the cheerleader for gathering friends and family to enjoy holidays and special events.
Grace moved back to MD after Jim was gone so she could be close to the girls. She enjoyed her apartment at Riderwood, her flowers outside on her patio, and the new friends she made. She volunteered at the Treasure Chest and was involved with their local craft fairs. She loved to do puzzles. Her cats Blackie and Tigger moved with her from Florida and provided loving companionship.
Grace loved her time with the girls doing crafts, sewing and enjoying lunches and dinner out. She came to all family events and was able to enjoy more fully the extended family since she was back in Maryland.
Family: James Chamberlin (husband), Daughters: Deborah & Randy Witten, Diane & Mark Arvidson, Donna Fretz, 5 Grandchildren and their spouses, Kris and Tuesdi Witten, Danny and Johanna Witten, Adam and Shea Witten, Ashley Ladny, David and Audrey Chavies, 6 Great Grandchildren, Jagger, Annaliese, Phoebe, Colton, and Asher Witten, Mia Gregory.
A celebration of life for family and friends will be held on December 1st at Lasting Tributes in Annapolis, MD from 1-3pm. Please join the family for food and celebration at 330 at: Rodizio Grill, 1079 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-849-4444)
Grace loved her cats and we often contributed towels and blankets to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County on Bay Ridge Drive, Annapolis (aacspca.org). Please support this organization in lieu of flowers.
What’s your fondest memory of Grace?
What’s a lesson you learned from Grace?
Share a story where Grace's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Grace you’ll never forget.
How did Grace make you smile?