Obituary of Marilyn Marlea Chase

Marilyn Marlea Chase passed away peacefully at her home in her recliner on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She was born February 14, 1938 in Alameda, California to Charles and Marlea (Bates) Gropstis. Marilyn attended high school in Macedon, NY and graduated from the University of Buffalo School of Nursing in 1959. A dedicated Registered Nurse for over thirty years, Marilyn’s career included roles in public health nursing, St. James Mercy Hospital, and Alfred State College, where she touched countless lives with her care and compassion. Even at the age of 86, Marilyn continued to use her nursing knowledge and skills to care for others. She was an active member of many local organizations and clubs, offering her kindness and goodwill to the community. Marilyn met Carl Chase while studying in Buffalo and they married July 4, 1959. They created a home in Canisteo where they lived together for 56 years until Carl’s passing in 2016. They were blessed with two sons, Jeffrey Chase (Kathleen) and Gregory Chase (Janine) and a daughter Christine Baker (Robert). That was later followed by eight healthy grandchildren – Michael, Kyle, Joseph, Allyson, Craig, Jennifer, Nicholas and Brennan and then eight beautiful great-grandchildren. Marilyn and Carl enjoyed many travels including trips to Alaska to trace her father’s past. They spent many summers entertaining friends and family at their cabin in Greenwood. Together they built dollhouses and birdhouses, browsed through estate sales and antique shops throughout western New York, and played countless games of euchre. Known for her love and devotion as a mother and grandmother, Marilyn – fondly referred to as “Meema” – leaves behind a legacy of precious memories: sewing lap blankets, doing puzzles and playing games, doing arts and crafts at the cabin, birdwatching, spoiling her pets, and making unforgettable Halloween costumes, to name a few. Marilyn loved great conversations and debate and was always challenging family and friends to consider current events from a different perspective. She continued to enjoy luncheon dates with her circle of friends right to the end, sharing laughs and solving the problems of the world. Her memory will be forever cherished by many. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Sharlene Jordan and Helen Payne. The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm Thursday, January 30th at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo with a funeral service to take place immediately following calling hours at 4 pm. A reception will follow the funeral service at the Canisteo Fire Station all are welcome. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo. Memorial Contributions may be made to any Animal Shelter, the Canisteo Volunteer Fire Department or the Canisteo Police Club. Arrangements in care of H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.