Theresa “Tutu” Chapin
Theresa Chapin, 85, of Independence, Missouri passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 in her son’s home, surrounded by her family.
She was born Theresa H. Kane to Sarah and William Kane on January 19, 1936 on the island of Oahu in the U.S. Hawaiian Territory. Theresa was the youngest of 14 sisters and 1 brother, all of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Nanakuli and graduated from Waipahu High School. In 1955 she met and married Robert (Bob) Chapin. They were married 66 years before his death in 2016. The couple began a family as they prepared for Bob’s discharge from the U.S. Air Force and a move to the States. They made the 4,000-mile trip from Honolulu to his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. It was Theresa’s first trip off the island. In 1958 they settled in Independence where they raised their five children. Theresa loved her Hawaiian heritage and lineage and she sought to pass that culture to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Even family friends and acquaintances were considered ohana and she enjoyed teaching them all things Hawaiian. For many years she taught traditional hula in her home and assembled a small troop of dancers who performed at luaus, private parties and events. Hawaiian music, instruments, traditional dress, flowers, and food regularly filled her home which was open to many and offered the “come as you are”, aloha spirit. Theresa was a believer in Christ Jesus and worshipped and served in the local churches she attended. She enjoyed relaxing times with family and friends. Through the years some of her favorite things included camping, picnics, restaurant dining, impromptu gatherings, a variety of sports, visits from family, and “fish and poi”.
In addition to her husband Bob and her siblings, Theresa was preceded in death by her son, Raymond Chapin and grandson, Lucas Butler.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Garry) Howe; Laura (Dale) Van Dyke; Nathan (Lanetta) Chapin; Alan (Jennifer) Chapin and Daughter-In-Law, Donna Chapin.
Tutu leaves 14 grandchildren and their spouses, Ben Butler; Abigail (Patrick) Donovan; Rachael (Brian) Jackson; Spencer (Ellie) Chapin; Moree’ (Gabe) Lambeth; Grant (Katie) Chapin; Gabriel Van Dyke; Drew (Aimee) Van Dyke; Amy (Blake) Gregory; John (Erin) Whitteck; Ivy (Brandan) Deason; Sydney (Ryan) Weaver; Ian (Hannah) Chapin; and Kai Chapin. She is also survived by 29 great-grandchildren, her brother-in-law, Donald Chapin of Lawrence and his family, and a great number of nieces and nephews.
The family plans to have a private gathering at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Higginsville in the near future.
Aloha ‘oe e Tutu, ‘a’ole makou e poina ia ‘oe. Goodbye sweet Tutu, we will never forget you.
Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO 816-796-8600