Amy Doan Chivington Findley's Obituary
Amy (Doan) Chivington Findley, 79, of Plain City, Ohio, passed away unexpected on July 13, 2026. Amy was born in Dayton, Ohio to John and Alberta (Burkman) Doan. She graduated from Miamisburg High School in 1964 and went on to study at Otterbein (College) University, graduating in 1969. Education was always a passion, and she pursued her master's degree and PhD in Music Education from The Ohio State University while working full-time and raising her family. She was married to her college sweetheart, Brenton Chivington, for over 52 years until his passing in September 2022. They raised two children, Eric and Emily, and instilled in them a love of family, music, the mountains, travel, cooking, storytelling, and ultimately helped them become who they are today. In 2023, Amy met Stephen Findley, also widowed in 2022. They married on her 77th birthday in 2024.
Amy is proceeded in death by her parents, her brother, John Doan, and her first husband, Brenton Chivington. She is survived by her second husband, Steven Findley, her children Eric (Jackie) Chivington and Emily (Greg) Mack, and grandchildren Jacob, Julia, and Gavin Bockenstette, and Ivan, Kate, Lucy, Caci, Nora, and Anna-Jane Chivington.
She taught thousands of students during her career but gave them so much more than music. To so many, she was Dr. C. and she inspired confidence, creativity, discipline, and a lifelong love of learning. Many of her students went on to become music teachers themselves or pursue careers in music, and she celebrated every one of their accomplishments as if they were her own.
Her passion for music reached far beyond the classroom. She faithfully led church choirs for many years, sharing her faith through music and bringing people together in song. One of her greatest joys was founding the Otterbein Kinderchor, a choir she loved deeply and was immensely proud of. Under her direction, those young singers experienced opportunities few could ever imagine—performing at Carnegie Hall, in Washington, D.C., for President George H.W. Bush during AmeriFlora in 1992, and even singing for two Popes, including one performance at the Vatican. She believed every child deserved the chance to discover the joy and power of music.
But beyond the classrooms, concert halls, and choirs was the role she cherished most—being Grandma. Her nine grandchildren brought her endless pride and immeasurable joy. She loved celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging their talents, and simply spending time with them. They will forever carry a part of her love, wisdom, and music in their hearts.
In retirement, she enjoyed reading, traveling, and playing piano. She joined the choir at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio where she and Steve worshipped. In their two years of marriage, they were fortunate to take ten vacations together, living life to the fullest.
Amy took her final bow on her 79th birthday and her 2nd wedding anniversary with Steve Findley—at 7:13 p.m. on 7/13. As a musician and music teacher, she always appreciated a good beat. Somehow, it seems fitting that her final moments were so perfectly on tempo - "Bravo!"
Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing her legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she influenced. Every choir rehearsal, every performance, every lesson taught, every child encouraged, and every song sung because she inspired someone—that is her music, and it will never end.
A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, August 22 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Fragile X Foundation. Donate at https://give.fragilex.org/fundraiser/7401258
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