Obituary of Abbie Jean Chapman, 75

Abbie Jean Chapman, 75, of Centre Hall, PA died Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center in State College, PA after extended respiratory illness.

Abbie was born on October 12, 1933, in Athol, MA, the daughter of the late Jett E. and Marion Bartlett Stowell.

On August 31, 1955, she married Robert A. Chapman, who survives her.

Mrs. Chapman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College in Norton, MA in 1955. After lovingly raising a family, she earned her nursing degree at Corning Community College in Corning, NY and worked as a psychiatric nurse for ten years.

Upon retiring in 1991, Mrs. Chapman and her husband traveled extensively and spent their winters in Tucson, Arizona where Abbie volunteered at Saguaro National Park for ten years. Mrs. Chapman also enjoyed reading, hiking, knitting, and family gatherings.

In addition to her husband, Abbie is survived by her four daughters and their families, Adrian M. Buechner and her husband Matthew of Newport, RI, along with their children, Eleanor and Samantha Buechner; Lisa Gamble and her husband Chris of Boalsburg, PA and their children, Cedric and Sarah Gamble; Brenda L. Chapman and her husband Luis Pastor of Madrid, Spain, and their children, Luis Miguel, Pablo, Ana and Pilar Pastor; and Robin J. Chapman and her husband Tom VandeStadt of Austin, TX and their daughter Alex VandeStadt. She is also survived by her brother Jett Stowell and his wife Sandy, of Florence, MA.

Mrs. Chapman was a strong woman who extended her love of family to her friends and to her patients.

Following her wishes, the family will hold a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Mt. Nittany Medical Center Building Fund, 1800 E. Park Ave., State College, PA 16801.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com .