Faith Orcutt Chase, 78

Nov 9, 1942 to July 22, 2021

Adventurer

Faith Orcutt Chase

Perhaps by sailboat, horseback, stock car, stand-up paddleboard, moped, or fruit wagon, Faith Orcutt Chase, unexpectedly died on July 22. She was 78.

Faith is the mother of Kimberly Galatro of Skillman.

At her Celebration of Life ceremony held last week, Faith was described as a “wife, mother, fierce friend, role model, world traveler, adventurer, activist, recycler, re-purposer, lover of animals and the planet, and a paragon of frugality.”

Family and friends shared these words to describe Faith: horseback rider, frugal, special, juggler, spontaneous, rescuer, kindest heart, generous, chauffeur, spunky, feisty, adventuresome, conspiracy theorist, committed, responsible, conservationist, bulldozer blocker, land lover, development denier, anti-technologist, hider-of-the-keys, contrarian, intrepid, one-of-a-kind, force of nature, free spirit, on-fire, peacemaker, and housekeeper (lol).

Born in Gloversville, New York, Faith attended Gloversville High School. She moved to Manhasset (Long Island) to complete her senior year. She attended the University of Colorado for a year, and went on to graduate from Connecticut College (Class of 1964). She met her husband Robert, on Block Island during Race Week. There were not many women racing sailboats at the time—Robert had much competition. He enticed her away from the festivities by offering a tour one of the island’s fresh water ponds. From there, began a 55-year marriage of adventure, spontaneity, farm life, and friends.

Faith is survived by her husband Robert Mowry Chase, with whom she traveled the world; her brother Timothy Parkhurst Orcutt of Fayetteville, NY; her daughter Kimberly (Bryan) Galatro of Skillman; son Denton (Catherine) Chase of Half Moon Bay, CA, and six grandchildren: Chase, Cedar, and Skyler Galatro and Quinn, Ruby, and Macy Chase.

The best ways to remember Faith: Cherish the planet; Never be wasteful; Rescue every animal (or person ) you can.

Donations in Faith’s name may be made to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Ithaca College Theater Department—places rich in both learning and music.