Obituary of Jean Chapman

Jean was born on November 16, 1918 at home on her family farm outside of Erskine, Alberta, the second of five children born to Thomas and Cora Handyside. As a teenager Jean played on her school’s basketball team and ran track. Jean’s parents were alarmed, a few years later, when Frank Chapman, an older man, reputed to be a bit of a rogue, came courting. However, Frank’s gentle charm soon dispelled the rumors, and captured Jean’s heart, and the hearts of her family. On September 3, 1942, Jean and Frank were married in a double-ring ceremony with Frank’s brother Sid and bride Grace. Jean and Frank began their life together in a cozy house at 4812 Callahan Street. Jean continued to live in the home she came to as a bride for 71 years until moving into Willow Creek. Jean and Frank were blessed with two children, Ruthie and John. In 1955, with the goal of building a cottage at Buffalo Lake, Jean began a retail clothing career which would span 38 years, when she retired from Lou’s Fashions. After Jean had worked for two years, the family was able to build a cottage and create a legacy which has fostered the happiest of memories for four generations. In November, Jean was surrounded by family and friends as she celebrated her 100th birthday during which she received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and her most cherished recognition, an honorary plaque, presented by Deputy Mayor, Gord Lawlor, from the town of Stettler. Jean loved being a grandmother and great grandmother and always delighted in time spent with her family. Jean will be remembered for her kindness, optimism, generosity, courage, happiness, wisdom, patience, determination, grace, style, service in the community and United Church, and for her beautiful flower gardens. Jean was predeceased by her loving husband Frank and siblings Ruth (Lloyd) Lee, Tommy, Dale (Millie) and Audrey Lind. She will be dearly missed and remembered with love and joy by her daughter Ruthie (Court) Fortems – their daughters Lisa (Matthew) Thompson – children Quinn, Xander and Griffin, and Laura (Spencer) Swainson – children Lexi, Mia, Byron, Gemma and Ansel; son John – his daughters Nicole (Todd) Langley – children Madeleine, Abbie and Charlotte and Jenny (Paul) Vermette – children Wil, Fin and Libbie; sisters-in-law Eunice Chapman and Madeleine Chapman; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Jean’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Willow Creek, Points West and the Stettler Hospital who cared for Jean so lovingly in her last years Funeral Service Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Stettler Funeral Home Stettler, Alberta 2:00 PM Memorial Donations may be made to the AB Cancer Foundation, Stettler United Church or a charity of your own choice.