FAIRHAVEN — Alice Wheatley Rapp, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, November 26, after a brief illness. She will be remembered with special fondness and love by her children, William, Andrew and Elizabeth. Her grandchildren, Katie, Meaghan, Erin, Nicole, Lee, Barrett and Leah will miss her wit, humor, and the funny stories she told them about their parents.
She was the beloved wife of the late William H. Rapp for more than 54 years. She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Seth Wheatley and is survived by her brother Seth and sister Elizabeth.
Mrs. Rapp was born in the Mississippi delta town of Greenwood in 1923. After graduating from Wellesley College, she worked for a time in New York for a publisher before moving to Fairhaven.
After her husband and family, books and learning were her life. She worked for many years at the Millicent Library where she met her future husband. She was the Librarian at the Elizabeth Hastings Middle School for over 30 years. She served as a Trustee of the Millicent Library, a Literacy Volunteer, and completed a four year course of study Education for the Ministry, through the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee, all, after her "retirement." Mrs. Rapp was internet and computer savvy before computers were a necessary aid to daily life.
A longtime member of Grace Church, she was active with the alter guild, scholarship committee and served on the search committee for the Rector in 1993-94.
She loved to play bridge, was a terrific dancer and an excellent cook. Her recipes for Christmas cookies and baked beans have a wide following. On warm summer days she could he found at West Island with a sun bonnet on and a mystery in her lap. She tolerated with good humor the sports fans in the family.
A southerner who moved to the north. Mrs. Rapp had tons of Southern charm. She also had a steely resolve and a finely tuned sense of justice. She was loved for these qualities and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Remembrances may be made in her name to the Millicent Library, 45 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
Her Memorial service will take place at Grace Episcopal Church, County and School Sts., on Friday at 10 A.M. Visiting hours are omitted and her burial is private.
Arrangements with the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford.