The Writers Guild of America West has confirmed that longtime television writer Roccina "Rocci" Chatfield passed away on August 24 of natural causes in Los Angeles. The Colorado native, whose credits include an Emmy-nominated streak at Days of our Lives, was 93.
Chatfield's writing career spanned three decades, with her most notable work being that of penning the world of DAYS' Salem. Her 1978 to 1982 stint at the NBC soap opera landed her two Daytime Emmy nominations (in '78 and '79).
However, Chatfield -- who attended Massachusetts' Endicott College -- began her writing career much earlier than her soap opera journey began. Her first credits include the 1960s sitcoms My Three Sons and Family Affair, as well as the 1970s series Little House on the Prairie. Her credits after that include the 1980s primetime soaps Falcon Crest and Knots Landing, the daytime soap Generations, and the syndicated Romance Theatre series.
Chatfield was a member of the TV Academy for more than 40 years and served six terms as a Governor of the Writers Peer Group and two terms on the Academy's Executive Committee. The Boulder native also produced many Academy events, including an "Inside" panel series, an annual Family Day celebration, and special evenings with stars like Tony Bennett and Liza Minnelli.
The writer was reportedly a dedicated WGA member, having earned two nominations for the Guild's Writing Award and serving on the negotiating committee during the 1988 writers' strike. She was honored with the Writers Guild of America Service Award for her contributions to the organization.
In acknowledgment of her professional achievements, her hometown of Boulder declared April 30, 2016, Rocci Chatfield Appreciation Day.
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