Obituary of A. Marie Chapman

A. Marie Chapman, widow of Edward I. Chapman, died at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Monday, April 1, 2013. Born 1925 in San Francisco, Calif., only child of the late James and Hazel (Fullerton) Hanlan. Marie’s first nine years of education were in one-room schools, the first five at Smiley, Sask. In 1935, she and her parents left the dust and depression of the Prairies and moved to New Brunswick, where Marie’s mother had been born. She went to Long Reach, NB, school until May of 1937 when the family moved to Gardner’s Creek, NB, where Marie completed grade 9. She went on to graduate from the Saint John Vocational School in 1942. Too young to enlist, Marie worked for one year with the U.I.C. She served for two years in the R.C.A.F. (Women’s Division). After discharged, she took a Secretarial Course at Mount Allison Academy. She was employed at the old Eaton’s store, Moncton; RKO Films in Saint John and Veterans Welfare Services, D.V.A., Saint John, and served in reserve Army, with 102 Manning Depot, where she earned rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Marred in 1954, she was a "stay at home" Mum for son, David and daughter, Anne. Her husband Edward died in 1988. Marie willingly volunteered her time. She was one of original members of the Saint John Branch, Genealogical Society, was president of Loch Lomond Villa seniors, also Residents Council, and served on Loch Lomond Board of Directors. She was a member of Simonds Lions Seniors Club. Marie’s delight in life was travelling to many countries, bus tours of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Europe, as well as cruises to the Caribbean, Canary Islands, and Mediterranean. She enjoyed Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and two exciting trips to the Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena, Calif. For 17 consecutive years she enjoyed the International Tattoo, Halifax. Over the years, she visited many parts of Canada. She is survived by her son, David (Sheryl Woodland) of Antigonish, NS; daughter, Anne (John) Wong of the Netherlands; grandsons, Derek and Michael Chapman both of Halifax; Andrew Wong of New York and Justin Wong of Halifax; granddaughter, Gillian Wong of Vancouver. In keeping with Marie’s wishes there will be no formal visitation or funeral service. Interment will take place at a later date in Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).