Amy Fleming Chatfield, Died Feb. 15, 2018

Amy Fleming Chatfield

December 6, 1921 - February 15, 2018

Amy Fleming Chatfield, 96, of Leland, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Effie’s Place in Leland.

Amy was born in Winnetka, Illinois, the second of five children born to Malcolm and Caroline Allport Fleming.  She married William H. Chatfield of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1946.  He preceded her in death in 1993.  In addition to her husband, Amy was preceded in death by brother Richard Fleming and sisters Harriet Withenbury, Lesley Redmond and Caroline Fibbe.

Amy grew up in the Hyde Park section of Cincinnati, graduated from Hillsdale School (now Seven Hills School) and Western College in Oxford, Ohio (now Miami University).  During World War II she was one of the first female air traffic controllers for the FAA, helping to guide military planes through the Midway International Airport in Chicago and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Amy made a successful career as the owner of an antique business and clothing store, the Maindeck, in Leland.  She was a founder of the Leelanau Community Cultural Center (The Old Art Building) and long-time board member.  She also enjoyed many years in the Leland Women’s Civic Club and the Little Garden Club.  She was honored by the Zonta Club of Leelanau County as Woman of the Year in 2013.

Amy loved to sail, boat, and swim in the Leelanau waters and tend to her riverside flower gardens.  She was always up for an adventure or a party, especially if it involved costumes and dancing. Even in her later years, she was always at the front of the conga line!

Amy is survived by her four children William (Anne), Malcolm (Christine), Melancthon “Mank” (Laura), and Caroline “Cece” Chatfield; and ten grandchildren, Abby (Mike), Cam, Will, Fran, Rett, Cordie, Albie, Eliza, Iris, and Twyla, as well as adoring nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held this summer at the Old Art Building garden in Leland.

Memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Community Cultural Center Endowment Fund. P.O. Box 883, Leland, MI, 49654.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Amy’s family and friends below or at our funeral home Facebook page: