Chase Foundation

Our knowledge of Edith Stewart Chase is constructed from the memories of her neighbors and colleagues. The myriad of notes from friends bears testimony to her friendship and generosity. Her papers show the legacy of her profession! Like most of us who taught, Edith seldom rid herself of papers, notes, cards, and letters and these give us some ideas about the person she was. Most of the notes speak to a gesture of kindness or the receipt of a gift. Many, from her mother, were written to speak of a need to see Edith, or to seek a solution to the problems of life about her-which Edith would resolve.

Professional training for Edith began at the Massachusetts College of Art and continued when she enrolled for a Master’s degree at Boston University. Her first position was in Hartford, Connecticut where she remained until the desire to be home in Boston brought her to to teach in the Waltham Public Schools in 1963 until her retirement in 1973.

As a teacher, she is described by her principal, G. Lorne MacArthur:

“A quiet, highly dedicated teacher of art, she cheerfully fulfilled all assigned duties. Her room was always neat and attractive. She would stay long beyond the regular school hours, determined to have her room ready for the next day. Her students won many honors in all types of competition.

She was a caring person and always exhibited a gracious smile. She was popular with her peers, respected by the parents, and beloved by her students. when all her duties had been performed faithfully, she would quietly leave the school.”

And in this same quiet manner, Edith passed away in her home on Chestnut Street, Beacon Hill, where she lived with her sister, Nathalie Tumbridge. During a chilly March evening, a defect in the flue caused a smoky back-up and both sisters were overcome. Edith died that night and her sister, a month later. They were buried together in a family plot in her beloved Pittsfield, New Hampshire.

Purpose of the Chase Foundation
During the later years of her life, Edith Stewart Chase experienced financial deprivation. Mindful of this and her wish to protect others from her situation, she left valuable property for the benefit of retired teachers in need. This property, now converted to financial assets, make up The Edith Stewart Chase Foundation Trust Fund. Edith left a bequest to MRTA, (now known as REAM) for assistance to members in need. Ms. Chase visualized that her gift would ease pressures and build assurance that day-to-day obligations can be met and that provision can be made for personal needs. Her legacy for members of her profession creates in us the determination to carry out her wishes through “The Edith Stewart Chase Foundation” with the same dedication that she showed during her lifetime.

to make home repairs
to purchase a hearing aid
to replace home appliances
to pay for podiatry
for dental work
to purchase eyeglasses
for home health care
to repair your automobile
to pay off credit card balance
rent increases
to buy an air conditioner
pharmaceutical needs
to pay off accumulated bills
for unpaid real estate taxes
any other personal expense

If you, or others you know, would benefit from a helping hand, please let us know. The questionnaire, which you can access by clicking on the word at the top of this page, is intended as a guide for the Trustees in their award process. If there is a specific need, you may specify it on the form. We invite every REAM member who is facing a financial crisis to make a confidential application to The Edith Stewart Chase Foundation. Application may be made by a retiree, friends, or relatives of a member.

For major expenses of One Thousand dollars ($1000.00) or more, please submit a cost estimate.

Donations
Donations for the Chase foundation may be sent to:

The Edith Chase Foundation
258 Main Street, Suite 114
Milford, MA 01757

Foundation Trustees

More Information
For further information on the Foundation either email edithchase751@aol.com or phone (508) 422-0109

Download Chase Foundation Application

In Honor of Edith Stewart Chase

Chase Foundation