Obituary of Mary Ann Chapman
Mary Ann Upchurch was born on October 2, 1947, in Erie, Michigan. She was one of fourteen children born to the union of James and Dixie (Reed) Upchurch. Mary attended Whiteford High School in Ottawa Lake, Michigan.
On July 24, 1988, Mary married the love of her life: David Chapman. Their blended families blessed them with 3 beautiful daughters.
Mary loved to play games. From searching out bingo wherever she could find a game to sitting with her family and friends to play marbles, rummy, cribbage, or even trying her hand at a good game of poker. She enjoyed reading and challenging her mind with puzzles, no matter if it was a jig saw or crossword, she enjoyed them all. She cherished the time she spent camping with her grandchildren every summer.
Mary was a fan of watching all Michigan sports teams, but her heart belonged to her beloved Detroit Tigers. She enjoyed cooking large meals to share with family and friends on Sundays. Above all Mary loved her family. She made the most of the time she was able to watch her grandchildren playing sports from Jacob, Cameron, and Caleb playing hockey, baseball, or football to Meghan and Lauran playing softball in Florida, it always brought the biggest smile to her face. She even enjoyed watching her son-in-law, grandson’s brothers and nephews play softball.
Mary Ann Chapman, age 75, of Erie passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday; September 2, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Her passing was preceded by her parents: James and Dixie (Reed) Upchurch; her husband: David Chapman in 1997; two brothers: Christopher and Michael Upchurch; and a sister: Edna Johnson.
To cherish Mary’s memory she leaves two daughters: Paula (Gregory) Hauenstein and Renee Upchurch both of Toledo,Ohio; three sisters: Sandy Murray of Temperance, Christine Upchurch of Florida, and Juanita (Jeff) Ingmire of Florida; seven brothers: James (Lorraine) Upchurch of Temperance, William (Jolene) Upchurch of Erie, Kenneth Upchurch of Toledo, Paul Upchurch of Temperance, Charles (Julie) Upchurch of Erie, Thomas Upchurch of Erie, and Ronald Upchurch of Erie; sister in law: Vicki Upchurch from Florida; five grandchildren: Jacob (Becky), Cameron (Molly), and Caleb Hauenstein, Meghan Upchurch, and Lauran Harker; five great grandchildren: Elliotte and Emerson Hauenstein, Steven Northrup, and Teagan and Gus Phipps any many nieces and nephews.
Immediate family will gather for a private graveside service at Bedford Memorial Cemetery 361 East Samaria Road, Temperance, Michigan 48182. A memorial service will be held at Erie VFW Post 3925, 1944 Erie Rd, Erie Michigan 48133 from 11:00am until 2:00pm on October 20, 2023. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199.
In lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or to the Family to assist with Funeral Arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.