Christine Chapin

Christine (Bremauer) Chapin, 84, of Sheffield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her home on December 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

 Christine, known affectionately as Chrissy, was born on September 24, 1941, in Pähl, Germany, to the late Isidor and Katharina Bremauer. From a young age, she demonstrated a strong work ethic, beginning her career as a nanny before later training and working as a hairdresser.

 After immigrating to the United States in 1963, Chris continued her work as a hairdresser and became well known for cutting and styling the hair of family and friends in her kitchen on Berkshire School Road. Her home was always a place of warmth, laughter, and connection.

Throughout her life, Chris found joy in the outdoors. She loved camping, boating, and snowmobiling with family and friends, tending to her vegetable garden and beautiful flower beds, and caring for the many animals she raised over the years. She rarely missed her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and took great pride in being present for every milestone. Later in life, she cherished the peaceful home in the woods that she and her husband built together, a place that reflected her love of nature and tranquility. 

Chris had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and accepted, as though they were part of her family. She especially enjoyed long walks with her dog, Luna, and spending quiet hours in her sunroom watching the birds. A devoted wife and mother, she was also a very kind, caring, and compassionate friend. She loved deeply and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

Chris was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert C. Chapin, in 2010. She is survived by her three daughters: Sabrina Ruggiero and her husband Joe of Sheffield, MA; Michelle Shields of Glenmoore, PA; and Suzanne Chapin and her fiancé Dale Whitbeck of Sandwich, MA. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Sydney and Olivia Ruggiero and Justin and Jordan Shields; her sister, Karin Kindermann of Germany; and her devoted dog, Luna, who will forever miss her. 

In addition to her husband, Chris was predeceased by her brother, Herbert Bremauer of Australia, and her sister, Elisabeth Borsody of Florida.

Funeral services for Christine will be held Saturday January 24, 2026, at 11:00am at Old Parish Church in Sheffield. A celebration of life to follow at the Barrington Hall (formerly known as Crissey Farm) in Great Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad; Construct, Inc. or The Berkshire Humane Society c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.