Joan S. R. Darling

Joan Scott Ratsey Darling, age 91, of Bennington, VT, a beloved wife; married 68 years to her late husband, Chapin Olcott Darling, passed peacefully on Saturday, October 7th at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center of Bennington, VT. Joan was born in Bronxville, NY on May 7th, 1932. She attended high school at The Fox Hollow School, formerly of Rhinebeck, NY.  Joan and Chapin were married in August of 1954, and soon moved from Laurel, MD where Chapin served in the US Army, to Greenwich, CT, where they resided until 1973 before relocating to Glastonbury, CT. In 1980, Joan and “Chape” acquired the ‘Black Shutters Inn’ of Weston, VT and over a period of 30 years transformed it into an iconic New England Bed and Breakfast aptly named ‘The Darling Family Inn’. It was during this time that Joan mastered her unique skills as a multi-talented artist, with her work influencing all aspects of the Inn. From painting on canvas, to special artifacts and antique furnishings. Many of her treasured works found their way into the hearts and homes of her grateful friends and family, where they will be forever cherished. “Joanie” lovingly leaves behind her three sons, one daughter, four grandsons, one granddaughter, and three great grandsons. She will be laid to rest with a private burial service at Beechwoods Cemetery in New Rochelle, NY next to her loving husband and parents.