December 24, 1934 - July 23, 2018

PITTSFIELD - As she wished, Sarah Georgia Chipman, "Sarah G," "Chip," passed away quietly on the afternoon of July 23, 2018 in the company of close and beloved friends. She lived a full and joyous life that inspired generations of students and legions of colleagues, most notably her many Delta Kappa Gamma sisters and friends. She will be sorely missed.

Sarah was born in Gorham, Maine, the daughter of Leslie Kimball Chipman and Agnes (Sanborn) Chipman. She was educated in the elementary schools of Richmond and Pittsfield, graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1953 and earned two degrees at the University of Maine where she was a member of Delta Delta Sorority - a BA in English in 1957, and a MEd in 1966. She continued in the study of Library Science at Colby College during her teaching career.

Her professional career spanned 40 years, first at Higgins Classical Institute from 1957 to 1971 where she wore many hats as a teacher of English, Librarian, Dean of Girls, National Honor Society Advisor, and Drama and Public Speaking Coach. From 1971 to 1997 Sarah taught English at Dexter Regional High School where she held the positions of English Department Chair, National Honor Society Advisor and Academic Quiz Team (HiQ) Advisor.

Sarah was awarded the well-deserved honor of Maine State Teacher of the Year in 1981. She was a member of both the Maine and National Retired Teacher Associations, the First Universalist Church of Pittsfield since 1952 where she served as Clerk for several years, and the Bethlehem Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a former trustee of Maine Central Institute and a member of the Friends of Pittsfield Public Library. Her initiation into the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was a source of great pride to Sarah as it acknowledged her professionalism and dedication to her craft and her passion for teaching. She served as Omicron Chapter President and Alpha Psi State of Maine President, and chaired many chapter and state committees as well as the international constitution committee. She received the Alpha Psi State Achievement Award in 1991.

Sarah was predeceased by her parents and twin sisters Priscilla Chipman Little in 1979 and Drucilla Chipman Little in 1996 and close friends Terry and Ronald Steele. She is survived by two nephews, Peter L. Little of Key West, Florida and Ian M. Grover of Pensacola, Florida; dear friends Colleen and John Grover and Brenda and Larry Jacobs, all of Corinna; Diana Kraus and Jere Lapointe of Brunswick; Susan and Alan Huffer of Detroit; two cousins and their wives: John and Linda Sanborn and Earl and Patricia Sanborn, all of West Baldwin; caring neighbors in Pittsfield including Linda Cregnole, Mary Jane and Donn McLaughlin and Judy Stitham; friends at Pleasant Acres Estates in Palmyra; her friends on the state and chapter levels of Delta Kappa Gamma including Dawn MacPherson-Allen of Monson and Teresa Brzustowicz of Dexter.

Although an obituary can skim the details of a life, it is impossible to capture the spirit and soul of the person so loved. Sarah was a unique woman who touched the lives of countless people in ways big and small. She spread joy, optimism and kindness wherever she went and with whomever she met. Thousands of students continue to count her as a favorite and generous teacher who made learning interesting and most of all fun. She taught that integrity, honesty, responsibility and decorum were important and that hard work didn't have to mean drudgery if approached with a positive attitude. She could ride through study hall on a bicycle or dress as a hobo for student spirit week with the enthusiasm of one who knew it doesn't do to take life or one's self too seriously. Sarah understood the importance of inclusion and acceptance of every student and her classroom was a safe and sought after haven. She made it clear to students that their grades in her class were not their grades in life and she had the expectation, faith, and belief in their ability to find their way to success regardless of their performance in her class. Knowing you "got Miss Chipman for English" was an honor and a delight. Her administrators respected her sensible and pragmatic methods of resolving school issues and held her in the highest regard. Her school colleagues turned to her as a role model for professional advice. Most of all, Sarah was a true and loyal friend who gave far more than she received, an independent spirit who brought light and love into our lives, living quietly, with purpose and dedication to others. It is her smile, her encouragement to be our best selves, and her genuine love of life that all of us will remember.

A celebration of Sarah's life will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, August 11th at the First Universalist Church, Pittsfield with the Rev. Scott Jones officiating. A reception will follow at The Millennium, 416 Oxbow Road, Palmyra from noon to 3 P.M. All are invited to share their memories and tributes to Sarah. Interment will be at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Hiram, Maine. Memorial donations may be made to the First Universalist Church, 6 Easy Street, Pittsfield, ME 04967. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport.