Jeanne C. Kimmell | Postal worker, 83

Jeanne Chamoulaud "Chammy" Kimmell, 83, a "country gentlewoman" who helped maintain the charm of village life in Cheyney, Delaware County, died Thursday, May 13, at Cornwall Manor from complications of a fall.

Mrs. Kimmell grew up in Elmira, N.Y. She graduated from George School in Newtown and earned a bachelor's degree from Cornell University, where she met her future husband, G. Franklin Kimmell. They married in 1949.

For 35 years, Mrs. Kimmell and her husband, an architect, lived in the farmhouse the Cheyney family built in Thornbury Township in 1729.

On their eight-acre property, their son Todd said, "they raised six free-range children and innumerable dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and horses."

For 18 years, Mrs. Kimmell worked part time in the Cheyney Post Office. "Her effervescence and natural joie de vivre helped define and maintain the charm of village life," her son said. She also occasionally worked at the Glen Mills and Westtown Post Offices.

She and her husband moved to Kennett Square in the 1990s. After he died in 1999, she moved to Cornwall Manor, a retirement community.

In addition to her son, Mrs. Kimmell is survived by daughters Wendy Daly, Katherine Dolchan, and Pamela; another son, Christopher; and eight grandchildren. Her son F. Scott died in 1972.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, at Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery, 1235 Birmingham Rd., West Chester.

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