Individual Details

Mary Alice "Madis" Crockwell

(17 May 1915 - 1 Dec 1987)

Boise, Idaho's best known caterer for over 35 years. Born in Los Angeles, attending schools there, and graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. Moved to Boise in 1946 where she worked for The Statesman and did public relations work for St. Luke's Hospital. She began catering dinners, and that venture lasted until her retirement in 1979. During that time she created meals ranging from a breakfast for 12,000 at the old Carnation plant in Nampa, to a sit-down, three-course dinner for 1,848 for the National Association of County Agents. For more than 20 years, she served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Booth Memorial Home Board. She has been a supporter of the YWCA, the Red Cross, and the National Jewish Hospital. She also served on the board of the Boise Council on Aging. Her expertise in the food business led her to help establish the food technology portion of the vocational education program at Boise State University. She was also a member of the Music Week board, the Idaho Humane Society, the Boise Art Association, the Boise Civic Opera, the Community Concer6 Association and the Soroptimists. She taught cooking classes with Community Schools, was the director of Hays House, a shelter home for youths, and helped reorganize 300 Main Street as a non-profit club for women.

Events

Birth17 May 1915Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Marriage9 May 1943Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA - Henry Judson "H. Judson" Chapin III
Death1 Dec 1987from cancer at home - Boise, Ada, ID
ObituaryAbt 3 Dec 1987Boise, Ada, ID
Soc Sec No722-10-5731

Families

SpouseHenry Judson "H. Judson" Chapin III (1907 - 1965)
FatherLeland Madeira Crockwell Sr. (1890 - )
MotherAda Leora Glover (1890 - 1977)
SiblingLeland Madeira Crockwell Jr. (1919 - 1970)

Notes

Birth

The 1920 California census for Lompoc, Santa Barbara, CA, listed Mary Crockwell, age 4, born in California as the daughter of Ada L. Crockwell. I have approximated her birthdate as 1916.

Obituary

MADIS CROCKWELL CHAPIN

Madis Crockwell Chapin, 72, of 3804 Pasadena Drive, Boise, Ada, ID, died Tuesday, Dec 1, 1987, at home of cancer.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. today in the Alden-Waggoner Chapel. Rev. Raymond Peplinski will officiate.

Mrs. Chapin, former owner of Chapin Catering Service, was born May 7, 1915, at Los Angeles, a daughter of Leland and Ada (Glover) Crockwell. She received her education in Los Angeles schools and at the University of Southern California (USC). She married H. Judson Chapin of New Jersey on May 9, 1943, at Los Angeles while he was stationed there on U.S. Navy assignment. Following World War II, the Chapins moved to Boise. Mrs. Chapin was employed by Syms-York Publishing Co., St. Luke's Hospital and The Idaho Statesman before establishing Chapin Catering Service. Following Mr. Chapin's death in 1965, she continued to operate the business until 1979 when she sold it and retired.

Mrs. Chapin was affiliated with the Soroptimist Club of Boise; a member of the Board of Directors of Hays House; an active supporter of the Salvation Army and Booth Memorial Home; a member of the Idaho Chefs de Cuisine; past state officer of the Idaho Writers League; and was instrumental in the development of the culinary arts vocational education classes at Boise State University.

Survivors include two nephews, Richard M. Crockwell of Buena Park, CA, and Stephen D. Crockwell of Alta Loma, CA. In addition to her husband, her only brother, Lee Crockwell, also died earlier.

Memorials may be made to Hays Shelter Home, 1122 Wild Phlox Way, Boise, ID 83709.

Endnotes

1. Social Security Records, Death Index.

2. Mary Alice (Madis) CROCKWELL Chapin obituary, The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada, ID, Dec 1987,.

3. Social Security Records, Death Index.

4. Mary Alice (Madis) CROCKWELL Chapin obituary, The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada, ID, Dec 1987,.

5. U. S. Government, Social Security Death Index.