Grief Shouldn't Be Rushed. Every Life Deserves to Be Remembered.
Purpose
Chattels was founded on the simple belief that every life has value, every story matters, and every family deserves the time and space to grieve, remember, and heal.
We specialize in Victorian graveyard iconography, authentic Victorian funeral rituals, and the preservation of cemetery history. Through compassionate funeral support, educational programs, historical research, and cemetery preservation, we help families and communities discover the stories, traditions, and legacies that connect the past with future generations. Because remembrance is more than honoring the past, it is a gift we leave to the future.
Our Mission
Together, Teresa and Cheryl founded Chattels with a shared mission of preserving cemetery history, honoring the traditions of remembrance, and inspiring others to see historic cemeteries as places of beauty, education, and enduring human stories.
Whether serving families during times of loss, interpreting the symbolism carved in weathered stone, presenting educational programs, or preserving forgotten cemetery traditions, they believe that remembrance is more than honoring the past—it is a gift we leave to future generations.
Teresa Chapman, Founder
Teresa Chapman founded Chattels to preserve the history, traditions, and meaning surrounding remembrance. As a certified Mourning Doula, public historian, educator, and author, she combines compassionate funeral support with a passion for cemetery preservation, historical research, and public education.
Teresa is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in History, where her studies explore the cultural, religious, and historical influences that shaped Victorian mourning traditions, cemetery art, and funerary customs. She specializes in Victorian funeral rituals, cemetery history, and the interpretation of Victorian graveyard iconography and symbolism.
Through funeral support, educational presentations, cemetery tours, historical research, writing, and preservation efforts, Teresa is dedicated to helping families and communities discover the stories hidden within our historic cemeteries.
Her work is guided by a simple belief: every life has value, every story deserves to be told, and history should continue to guide future generations.
Cheryl Ayers,
Co-Founder & Victorian Living Historian
Cheryl Ayers is the Co-Founder of Chattels and brings a lifelong passion for history, craftsmanship, and authentic Victorian living to the organization. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Japan, Cheryl combines discipline, historical research, and remarkable artistic talent in every aspect of her work.
An accomplished Victorian living historian, Cheryl is especially recognized for creating historically accurate Victorian clothing and exquisite handmade Victorian hats that reflect the elegance and craftsmanship of the nineteenth century. She is also an avid cemetery explorer with a deep appreciation for Victorian funerary symbolism, graveyard iconography, and the stories preserved in historic cemeteries.
As Co-Founder of Chattels, Cheryl helps shape the organization's educational programs and historical interpretation, bringing authenticity, craftsmanship, and a shared passion for preserving Victorian history and traditions. Through living history demonstrations, educational programs, and historical interpretation, she helps bring the Victorian era to life with authenticity, warmth, and a genuine commitment to preserving the past.
Chattels brought a sense of peace and dignity to one of the hardest days of our lives
The the thoughtful traditions, and the gentle guidance created moments that allowed our family to pause and reflect,