Mrs. Dorothy Jean (O'Donnell) Chapman

November 1, 1922 - February 1, 2014

Dorothy J. Chapman Formerly of Lowell, MA; 91 NORMAL, Illinois -- Dorothy Jean Chapman, 91, died at Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Normal, Illinois at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2014. Dorothy was born November 1, 1922 in Boston, MA, the daughter of Joseph E. and Olive Rice O'Donnell. As a child, she lived in Medford, MA, then moved to Lowell, MA and graduated from Lowell High School. Following graduation, she held secretarial positions at the Fred C. Church Insurance Agency, Hockmeyer Brothers, Inc. and First Baptist Church, all in Lowell. She married Donald A. Chapman on April 13, 1946 in Lowell, and they moved to Schenectady, NY in 1947 for Don's work with General Electric Co. Subsequent GE moves were to Normal, Illinois in 1954, Avon Lake, Ohio in 1972, and Selmer, Tenn. in 1974. They moved back to Illinois in 2003. They also enjoyed their summer home in Laconia, NH from 1990-2009. Donald preceded her in death on January 23, 2011. Dorothy spent most of her early adult life as a devoted homemaker and mother. She was extremely active in the education and activities of her children, and was honored with a Life Membership in the PTA at Chiddix Junior High School in Normal. Dorothy was an active member of PEO Chapter CL in Bloomington for many years, and was also active in PEO chapters in Ohio and Tennessee. While living in Selmer, Dorothy established and led for many years the McNairy County General Hospital Women's Auxiliary; in recognition of her efforts she received the Community Betterment Award from the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce and the Outstanding Female Citizen Award from the Selmer Jaycees. She continued to find great joy in her immediate and extended family and many friends throughout her life. Dorothy is survived by her sons, Alan (Kathie) Chapman, Normal, IL, Barry (Jessie Norris) Chapman, Spokane, WA; daughter, Nancy (Joel) Kindle, Riverton, WY, and son, Pete (Linda) Chapman, Bakersfield, CA; grandchildren, Matt (Carrie) Chapman, Heather (Nate) Damery, and Todd (Corin) Chapman, all of Bloomington, IL, Elizabeth (Matt Mitchell) Majerus, Urbana, IL, John Kindle, Riverton, WY, James Kindle, Minneapolis, MN, Rory Chapman, Ryan Chapman, Adam Lopez and Ashley Aubrey, all of Bakersfield, CA, and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Madelynne Chapman, Carson and Campbell Damery, and Elise and Max Chapman, all of Bloomington, IL, and Otis and Ruby Mitchell, Urbana, IL. Her brother, Robert (Barbara) O'Donnell, Gilford, NH, and sister, Olive (Verdell) Post, Medford, MA also survive her. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brothers Richard, Joseph and Jack. Dorothy was previously a member of First Baptist Church of Lowell, MA, United Methodist churches in New York, Illinois, and Tennessee, and a United Church of Christ in Ohio, and was currently a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bloomington. Dorothy was provided with exceptional, loving care by the wonderful staff of Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center during the last years of her life. Her family is most grateful and appreciative. CHAPMAN -- Mrs. Dorothy Jean Chapman's Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at The Fay McCabe Funeral Home, 105 Moore Street, Lowell, with the Reverend William Donoghue officiating. Calling Hours will precede the service from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.. Burial will take place in the Lowell Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to First Baptist Church, 99 Church St. Lowell, MA 01852. Online condolences may be submitted to www.faymccabe.com or to www.calvertmemorial.com