In loving memory of

Christine Chaplin Gavan
December 12, 1946 - October 30, 2007

Christine Chaplin Gavan, 60, of Newport, beloved wife and mother died at home on Tuesday October 30, 2007.Born in Newport, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy Harlow Chaplin. Survivors include her husband Terrence Gavan; her father, the Reverend George Chaplin; three children, Kirstie Anderson of Candia, NH, Colleen Gavan of San Diego, CA and Conor Gavan of Newport; two sisters, Janet Skenfield of Murphys, CA and Susan Chaplin of Troy, MI; and two grandchildren Parker and Shannon Anderson. Her brother was the late Jeffrey Chaplin.Christine was a life-long caregiver. She worked as a registered nurse at several hospitals and nursing homes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She was Director of Nursing at St. Clare Home in Newport, RI. Her broad health care experience included elder care, emergency nursing and medical/surgical care.Mrs. Gavan served in the US Peace Corps as a health care trainer in the Caroline Islands.Christine earned a Nursing Diploma from the New England Deaconess Hospital, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Salve Regina University.She was also the proprietor of ?Cheese Things? gourmet shop in Newport, RI. Christine loved working with people, and devoted her life to helping others.Funeral services are scheduled at 11 AM on November 2, 2007 in Holy Cross Church, Middletown, RI.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Healing Co-op of Middletown, RI, The St. Martha?s Guild of Holy Cross Church or Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island.

Tributes

Lara Mercer - November 05, 200.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Uncle George, I'm very sorry to hear about Chrissy. Our hearts go out to you and the family. With love, Lara Mercer and Bill Mercer"

Shirley Roche Mello - November.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"To the family of Chrissie - I was saddened by the news of Chrissie's passing. We were chuchmates years ago. I remember her as being a cheerful girl with a great personality. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Shirley"

Colleen Emerson - November 01,.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Dear Terry and family, I was so sad to hear of your loss. Chris was such a wonderful person - always full of life and happiness. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and Colleen Emerson"

Diane Incze - November 01, 200.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Dear Terry, Chris was a wonderful friend and co-worker. My life and the lives of my three children have been blessed by having the privilege of knowing her. I am looking forward to the time in heaven when Chris and I can catch up with each other and share our stories. My favorite times with Chris were spent at St. Claire's, talking about our beloved ones. The sharing of hair-graying moments of raising our children, and the love we shared for our husbands, got us both through very difficult times. She was a hoot and a half to share an office with, and I can only imagine how much fun she will be to hang out with in heaven. She will be greeting everyone she knows by smiling her special smile, making sure everyone knows her abounding joy at seeing them again. At Chris's service I will be sitting next to Marybeth in spirit since I now live in Hawaii. I will be praying for you and all of her family, that everyone has strength in the times ahead. Your Friends in Christ, Diane and Bruce Incze"

Marlene Kiernan Johnson - Nove.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Dear Conor and Colleen, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

Carrie and JUD Doherty - Novem.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Hi Terry: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Sincerely, Carrie and JUD Doherty"

Carm Dietrick - November 01, 2.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Dear Terry and famly, Our sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Carm and Don"

Donna Clarke - November 01, 20.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Terry and all the family, My love goes out to all of you. Chris was such a special person and I was privileged to share a small part of her life. Sincerely, Donna Clarke"

Beth Davis - October 31, 2007 .. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Dear Terry, Colleen, Conor, Kirstin, Chaplin Chaplin, sisters and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Chris was a huge influence in my life. A beautiful light that will forever shine. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all that you are and thank you Chris, may you be at peace in His arms with your mom and brother."

Patricia Dresser - October 31,.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"I met Chris when my mom went to StClare Home.My other family members knew her from growing up on the island.Being the youngest of 7,I had never met her.Once you did meet her you could always count on a smile,no matter what.In the past year when I would see her she would always put on a happy face even though she was suffering.God Bless her for being such a caring,giving person and I am truly blessed to have known her.Rejoice in all your happy memories and God will carry you through."

Karen D. Johnson - October 31,.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Dear Terry: I was saddened to hear about Chris' passing. She was a wonderful person, always helping others and always smiling. May your memories of her bring a smile to your heart. She was truly one of a kind. My prayers are with you all."

Richard Welch - October 31, 20.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Terry, I'm SO sorry for your loss and Chris was such a SPECIAL person. In the little time that we came to know her she really made a VERY positive impression on not only Bec and me but really on our children. They enjoyed seeing her SO much and will be even more saddened at the loss than I can describe in words. It's times like these where I feel I have no command of the English language but needless to say that our deepest regrets are with you and your family but to have know such a great person for us, even for such a short time, has been a blessing. All of my best wishes. Rich"

Trisha Smith, Blondesailorri@aol.com wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Dear Connor and Family, Just wanted to send my sincere sympathy to the passing of your mother. She was such a lovely person and touched so many lives. Please take comfort in knowing that she will always be in our hearts and thoughts. She was a wonderful mother and I am lucky to have met her. Thoughts and prayers. Trisha Smith"

Chris St. Peter - October 31, .. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Conor, We were so sorry to hear about your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Chris and Valerie St. Peter"

WADK Employees - October 31, 2.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"To the Gavin and Chaplin Families, We loved seeing Chris everyday at Cheese n Things. Her great personality and awesome smile{that lit up her face made us want to go back every day for lunch. Her sandwich menu was unique, we never knew gourmet sandwiches existed! We missed her so badly when the shop closed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this sad occasion."

Liz Hicks - October 31, 2007 a.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"George and the Gavan family, It was so sad to read of Chris' passing. We had lived on Marin St I worked many years at the bank with her mom and George assisted at our wedding. Chris was such a kind person with always a smile and kind words. She always remined me of Dottie. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Ralph, Lizzie, Patrick and Kara Hicks"

Cecilia Silvia Leary - October.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"Chris and I started Grade 1 with Miss Crocker at Howland School. We were school bus mates from Grade 1 through to Grade 12. How time has gone by... I extend to you, Terry, Rev. Chaplin and your entire family, my most sincere condolences. Chris was a wonderful person and I'm sure in addidition to her immediate family, she will be missed by many, many long-time friends. Sincerely, Cecilia"

Beverly Rosa Williams - Octobe.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"To Chris's family, I have been away from Middletown for over 30 years, but I still remember Chris's sparkling personality and sweet, kind ways. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Gavin and Chaplin families. May you be comforted by your memories of Chris. May God keep you always in His care. Bev Rosa Williams"

Pamela Douglas - October 31, 2.. wrote on Oct 30, 2007:

"To the Gavan/Chaplin family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. I share your grief on the loss of Chrissy - she was very dear to all of us. We shared a wonderful time in the choir and she will be sadly missed."