Merry Lee Chipman

She was born in Islip, LI, New York, on February 12, 1958, the third of four children to Leonard and Annette Oehmen.

After graduating Islip High School where she played first chair flute in her high school band and also participated in the marching band, Merry moved to Jamestown, New York, where she met and married Gordon Murray. They had a son, Joel, in 1989. Merry was a loving and dedicated Mom to her only biological child, Joel. Merry was so proud of Joel who was an eagle scout and valedictorian of his graduating class. Merry earned her associate’s degree at Jamestown Community College in 1996. She worked as a payroll specialist at Monofrax Corporation from 1980 until the birth of her son Joel in 1989. She later worked at Regal Lumber Company in the accounting department for several years, then at Cusimano’s Collision in Falconer in the office until her retirement in 2014.

In 2004, Merry and James Chipman were married. After retiring at the end of 2014 they spent winters in Hudson, Florida and summers in Frewsburg, NY.

Merry loved walking her dog Max, spending time with friends at the Jamestown Vikings Club, and playing golf. She was an avid collector of sea shells and loved the beach and ocean. Merry was a loving thoughtful wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, great grandmother and additionally a friend to many. She will be remembered as a fun loving, caring person with a most beautiful and captivating smile.

Merry is survived by her husband and son, her siblings, Nina Stabile, Lynn (Gene) Southard and Chris (Liz) Oehmen, her stepchildren Rod, Rick, Corey, Tyler, and Katie, and many nephews, and nieces, and grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. A website to commemorate Merry’s life has been set up at merrychipman.com for viewing and interaction by her family and friends. It is incomplete at this point but does contain the beginnings.

Memorials or donations may be made to the AFTD, the Humane Society or a charity of your choice.