Virginia H. Chase, 91, a long-time resident of Laurelmead, a senior living cooperative in
Providence, RI, died at home in the presence of family and loving caretakers on August 22,
having celebrated her 91st birthday only two weeks earlier. She was the widow of Rev. Canon
Peter Chase, who predeceased her in 2011.
Virginia was born in Baltimore, MD, daughter of the late Rev. Canon John D. Zimmerman and
Lillian H. Zimmerman. Virginia and her brother, J, David Zimmerman, moved frequently as
children due to their father’s service as a Navy chaplain, but Virginia learned to make friends
quickly and kept track of many throughout her life.
Virginia met her husband in 1951 while he was a curate at Trinity Church in Newport, RI. She
attended Pembroke College for two years but left to marry Peter in 1954. They spent their first
year together in Canterbury, England, then moved to South Kent School in South Kent, CT,
where Peter served as the school chaplain, and where they had their first two children, Cynthia
and Michael. They moved to New York City in 1960, where Peter served at the Cathedral of St.
John the Divine, and later had their third child, Chase. Virginia loved children, and while in NYC,
spent several years teaching kindergarten at St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s School. In 1973, opting
for a quieter life, they moved to Greenfield in western Massachusetts, where Peter served as
the rector at St. James’ Church until his retirement in 1986. They retired to RI, dividing their time
between homes in Providence and Little Compton. In 2000, they moved to Laurelmead in
Providence as their final residence. As Peter’s health declined, Virginia cared for him at home
until the last few months of his life. He passed away at the age of 90 in 2011.
Virginia’s interests revolved around her family, friends, and community. She participated in
numerous church functions, ran school fairs, volunteered at the local hospital gift shop, and
hosted social events and teas for friends and church dignitaries alike. She enjoyed classical
music and looked forward to evenings at the symphony and theatre, and especially enjoyed the
organ and choir at Grace Episcopal Church where she was an active member. She delighted in
visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren, spending many holidays with those on the
west coast. At Laurelmead she continued to join committees and lead efforts to plan social
events and improve community life for residents. She delighted in weekly bingo games and
nightly dinners with friends. A frugal shopper, she relished a sale and couldn’t resist a coupon,
often receiving good-natured ribbing from her family.
Virginia leaves her three children: Cynthia Cook and her husband Bob of Pacifica CA, Michael
and his wife Sarah of Bradford MA, and Chase Hunter and her wife Jane of Easthampton MA.
She is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 4 (soon to be 5) great-grandchildren, and her
brother, J. David Zimmerman and partner Georgia Waldrop, of Ashland, VA.
Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 300 Westminster St., Providence, RI on
September 4th at 2pm. A reception at Laurelmead, 355 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI
will immediately follow. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations could be made in her memory to:
South Kent School, 40 Bulls Bridge Road, South Kent CT 06785
Brown University Gift Cashier, Box 1877, Providence RI 02912
Grace Episcopal Church, 300 Westminster St, Providence RI 02903
The family would like to express their love and appreciation especially to Addie Dalomba and
Marianne Overy. Together they made it possible for Mrs. Chase to remain at home throughout
her illness.
Previous Events
Service
4
Sep
300 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
