Ramona L. Chambers

SOUTH DEERFIELD-Ramona (Mona) L. Chambers of South Deerfield died Thursday, September 26, 2013 surrounded by the love of her family at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, MA. She was born on January 19, 1929 at home in Aliquippa, Pa., the daughter of the late William Edgar Leeper and Mary Leeper. She was a graduate of Aliquippa High School, and then Indiana State University where she earned her BA in Education. Her first teaching position was in Derry Township, PA. While living in Latrobe, PA., she met her husband, the late Desmond Chambers on a blind date. In 1953 they were married in the Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa, PA. Mona was a wonderful mother to her two children and dedicated her time and energy to her family. She excelled in her role as wife and mother; whether it was driving to school sports events, volunteering in the school library, making holidays special or cooking great meals; she created a loving home. In 1971 the family moved to Northfield, MA and she began a fulfilling career in library science at Pioneer Valley Regional School. The friendships formed at PVRS enriched her life and brought her great joy even in her final years. While in Northfield, she was a devoted member of the Trinitarian Congregational Church, UCC and served on the Diaconate and Pastoral Search Committee. She served on the MACUCC Franklin Association as moderator and most recently on the Massachusetts Conference Church and Ministry Committee. In 2002, Mona and Des moved to South Deerfield to be closer to their two children and their families but she maintained her beloved Northfield friendships. Mona is survived by her son David and his wife Lisa (Kibbe) Chambers of Springfield; her daughter, Carol Chambers Anderson and her husband Don Anderson of Florence; one granddaughter, Kristin Anderson and her fiancé, Eric Whittle of Holyoke and her sister- in- law, Florence Chambers of Bradenton, Florida. Her sister, Dorothy Leeper, predeceased her in 1970. Mona was the care giver for her husband as he suffered many losses due to a degenerative disease. She served her husband with grace and dedication while maintaining special friendships. Her deep faith sustained her through the loss of her husband in 2011. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Memorial Fund of the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 147 Main Street, Northfield, MA. 01360 or Loaves and Fishes of Northfield, c/o Ruth Gallagher, Treasurer, 907 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA. 01360.A memorial service will be held at the Trinitarian Congregational Church on October 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM. The burial will be private at the convenience of the family. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill St., Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Visit www.nefcc.net