Obituary of Rita M. Chapman

Rita Chapman, 90, formerly of Chazy and Champlain, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Meadowbrook Healthcare Facility in Plattsburgh with her family by her side. Rita was born in Perry's Mills, New York, on March 26, 1925, to Bill and Clara (Ashline) Dubois. She attended the Little Red Brick Schoolhouse and used the nearby Chazy River as her playground. She then went on to the larger Champlain Central School, graduating in1946. Rita was very proud of the fact that she was a cheerleader and prom queen. In June 1947, Rita married her handsome sailor, H. Donald Chapman. Together they raised four children. They were married for 53 years. Donald passed away in 2000. Rita worked for JCEO in Plattsburgh as Outreach Director for many years, and was responsible for setting up many of the Outreach centers still in existence today. She was a member of both the Champlain Senior Housing Board and the Salvation Army Board. Rita was a social person, and she and Donald spent many Saturday evenings with friends at the Weathercock - she loved to dance! Rita was predeceased by her parents, Clara and Bill Dubois. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Agatha Dubois of Perry's Mills; four children, Merrilee and Martin Hamlin of Chazy, Kelly and Kim (Leclair) Chapman of West Chazy, Jeffrey and Stacie (Durham) Chapman of Schuyler Falls, and Gregory and Debbie (Labombard) Chapman of Champlain; her grandchildren, Jason and Shane Hamlin, Heidi (Hamlin) and Wayne Wilkins, Cara, Dana, Joshua, Connor and Logan Chapman; one great-grandaughter, Kiley Wilkins; and many nieces and nephews, who were very kind and special to Rita. For the last six years, Rita was a resident of Meadowbrook, where she was very content and well cared for. The amazing staff got to know the feisty lady very well, and was often amused by her wit. Our family wishes to express our gratitude to Dr. Phillips, Dr.Lacki, all of Rita's nurses and the wonderful staff for the many years of kindness and care for Rita. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army, or Clinton County Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC). Calling hours will be held at M.B. Clark, Inc. Funeral Home in Champlain, NY on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 from 4:00-7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at M.B. Clark Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 20th at 10:00 AM with burial to follow immediately at Riverview Cemetery in Chazy, New York. To light a candle by sharing a thought, memory or condolence, please visit the obituary online at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.