Helen Thayer Chapell

Helen Thayer Chapell, 92, with her beautiful smile, left this world November 11, 2025 in Peterborough, NH. Helen was born in Cambridge, MA January 18, 1933 to Caroline and Sherman Thayer. Her early and late years were spent in New England on its shores, oceans, woods and mountains, while keeping a family connection to her mother’s roots in Shelby, NC. Helen graduated from Smith College and then met her husband Dick Chapell (div.1980, d.2005), with whom she shared a love for the outdoors. Whether it was watching the sunset on the water in Cohasset or at the top of a mountain, Helen loved a view. 

In the ’60’s, she and Dick raised their family of four children in Concord (reluctantly forgoing Vietnam protests) and Andover, MA. She was devoted to her family including 8 great grands. Helen used her research skills to delve into family history, to plan trips to Europe, to stay abreast of local and world politics, and to create hiking trips in the Swiss Alps. 

A simple ceremony was held for her burial in Dublin, NH Cemetery on November 18th. A celebration of her life will take place in the spring of 2026 when the Mountain Laurels are in bloom. 

Predeceased by her son George (d.2022)(m. Liane), she leaves behind his children George Chapell Jr. (m.Samantha) (Emilia Jo, George III, Edison, Henry) and Brittany Rugel (m. Jerry) (Joshua, Noah, Lia, Audrey); daughters Caroline and Mildred Chapell; son Richard Chapell (M.Sara) (Dylan, Sal, Lucia); and sister Millie Thayer. Donations in her name can be made to your local food pantry, the Monadnock Conservancy, and Destination Cleveland County, Shelby, NC.