Gail Ethel Chapman
Gail Ethel Chapman, 83, of Hinckley, IL passed away February 8th peacefully at CedarHurst Living Center with her family by her side. She was born on August 1, 1938 in Waterman, IL to Leonard H. and Ethel (Rhea) Abell. She met and married the love of her life, Donald Chapman, February 21, 1960 in Reno, Nevada. They have been each other’s soul mate for 61 years.
Gail graduated from Hinckley High School, class of 1956, where she enjoyed her extracurricular activities in the band while playing the clarinet. She always loved the different genres of music, but Country was her favorite. After high school she attended St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing (RN), St. Francis University (Bachelors), and Aurora University (Masters). Gail really enjoyed working and helping people which guided her career into a Registered Nurse and Health and Safety Coordinator.
Gail began her career in Surgery and Emergency at St. Joseph Hospital (IL), a desire to travel and experience new things led her to Sacramento Hospital (CA). Gail and Don, wanting to return home to Illinois, led her to begin her career as an Occupational Nurse at Thor Power Tool. After working for several years Gail wanted to challenge herself and obtained a job in the Intensive Care Unit at Copley Memorial Hospital. Rounding out her career, Gail worked at Aurora Pump (Pentair Water) as an Occupational Nurse for 24 years until her retirement.
During her life, Gail was no stranger to hard work, but still enjoyed the simple things life had to offer; family vacations/camping in the Western U.S., sewing, crafting, painting, reading and attending her children’s/grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Gail was an avid Cubs fan, but secretly loved the Chicago Bears as every Sunday you would find her watching the Chicago Bears game. Upon Don and Gail’s retirements they enjoyed going to Florida to be snow birds, where they did not have to see the white fluffy stuff.
She is survived by her husband Donald Chapman, her children Laura (Gary) Noll, Donald (Tammy) Chapman Jr., Debra (Jeff) Martenson, Michael (Melissa) Chapman, Catherine (Todd) Flagler. Grandchildren: Jessica (Nick) Madrigal, Katelynn (Blake) Bracht, Nicole, Jaclynn and Zach Chapman, Dillon and Bailey Martenson, Michael Jr., Elizabeth and Sarah Chapman, Alexxandra and Christian Brandt, Addison Flagler. Great Grandchildren: Mila and Ella Madrigal. Brother: Leonard (Sharon) Abell, Sister: Joyce (Mike) Klotz along with many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Leonard H. Abell and Ethel (Rhea) Abell.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 11th from 4-8 pm at Nelson Funeral Home in Hinckley, IL. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 12th at St. Paul’s Apostle Church in Sandwich, Illinois at 10:00 am. Immediately after the service interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Hinckley, IL.
In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in honor of Gail Chapman to the American Stroke Association.
The family would like to thank the following for the care and support that Gail received in her later years, Home Instead, CedarHurst Living Center, and Angels Grace Hospice.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or 815-286-3247.
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