Margery Ann Chapman

Age 62, of Dimondale, Michigan, passed away on May 29, 2015.  She was born in Portsmouth, VA, on April 11, 1953, to John and Ellie (Hallak) Sterzinar.  She earned a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University in Public Administration and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church since 1995.  Margery was associated with the Volunteers of America for 18 years; and later a nursing home administrator with Whitehills Health Care Center, Tendercare West, and Dimondale Nursing Care Center.  She was an avid outdoors lover enjoying boating, winter sports, and touring with her husband.

Surviving are her husband of 25 years, Edward; 2 children, Edward Chapman III and Johnele Chapman; father, John Sterzinar; 2 brothers, John (Kathie) Sterzinar and Frank (Gayle) Sterzinar; sister, Diane (Tim) Clain; niece, Brianne Sterzinar; and nephew, Christopher Clain.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Ellie in 1997.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing, with the Rev. Fr. John A. Byers as Celebrant.  The family will receive friends at the Church 1 hour prior to the Mass.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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8 Messages to “Margery Ann Chapman

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Bob & Pat Ransweiler
June 2, 2015 at 7:38 pm

I’ve known Margery for over 30 years. We first met through the CETA work program in San Diego CA.. As years went by ,she joined the Volunteers of America and became my assistant and a friend of my entire family. She was loyal and dedicated to those we served in the VOA. Often her work day lasted into the evening hours, being called out for service in one of our 26 social service programs. There is no doubt that our Corporation was a success due in large part to Margery’s dedication and her caring heart. No problem was so great that she couldn’t find a way to solve it. Ed ,Edward and Johnele know that we here in San Diego loved Margery and she will be missed by all. She’s gone to a better place and is looking down on us and is still looking after you.

God Bless You Margery Chapman,
Bob & Pat Ransweiler

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Beth Lenhard
June 2, 2015 at 8:48 pm

My thoughts & prayers are with Ed, Eddie & Johnele at this very difficult time. (My daughter & son attended school with Margery’s beautiful children many years ago at IHM & I assisted her in teaching a religious education class, too.)

Praying for Comfort & Peace for Margery’s entire family.

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Marie McKenzie
June 2, 2015 at 9:27 pm

Margery, they say it is not our resonating presence during our life that counts but the wake we leave in our departure. You left a mark. I met Margery in 1980 when we both started working for Volunteers of America, we became fast friends and I enjoyed many an adventure both on and off the job. I was with her on the night she met her husband Ed, I used to say he walked her home and he never left her side. I was there for the birth of both of her children and waved goodbye as she relocated to take a new career in Michigan. Although Margery and I did not stay in touch, we tried the Christmas card hit and miss, we tried a facebook chat but neither of us was good at it, the last time we spoke Margery was looking forward to going to see her children at college in a sporting tournament, then was motoring up to see her family. Margery I am fortunate to have met you and to have worked along side of you. I do believe some of my favorite adventures in the early years of Volunteers of America were had with you. To your family I extend my heartfelt sympathy as I can’t imagine your loss. I will keep you in my prayers and light a candle for Margery. San Diego remembers you well!!!!….

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Gordon Cruse
June 4, 2015 at 12:36 pm

I met Margery about 30 years ago when we both worked with the Volunteers of America. Margery was a tireless administrator dedicated to serving those in need and seeing to the well run operation of the programs under her control. Margery was a good friend as well. After VOA. Margery and I both sought careers elsewhere. Margery was successful at anything to which she put her mind. I will miss Margery. The world was a better place with Margery in it. It eases my sadness for her passing knowing she has left a legacy of compassion and love through her wonderful family. You were an amazing person Margery. Thank you for your many kindnesses. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

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Karol McIvor
June 4, 2015 at 7:57 pm

I am so sorry about your loss. Margery was such a lovely lady. She was our Administrator for a while in St. Louis. Such a kind lady that loved her family so much. I was so sad when she completed her time at our facility. She always had a smile on her face and would always ask “Karol how’s your day going?” Her family was so blessed to have such a fighter and lovely lady. She always enjoyed her time up North and what a good time she had with her family. Marge now it’s your time to rest high on that mountain. God bless you all as she enters her next circle of life.
Karol McIvor

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Catherine and Steven Church
June 7, 2015 at 9:05 am

Dear Chapman Family-

I am so sorry for the lost of your dear wife and mother. Margery was such a wonderful, caring, welcoming human being. Always gave us her best smiling self and kind words. I felt like her attention was just centered on me when I spoke to her and had a conversation. She never was one to look around and see who else was there to interact with. She gave you her all. Bless her and all of you and your loved ones to walk day by day through your lose of her presence in your life.

Catherine and Steven Church

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Diane Wiltse
June 7, 2015 at 9:57 pm

I worked with Margery at Howell Care Center, I always loved to hear her outlook on things as they changed very rapidly most days there. I have many happy memories of our talks there. I would send a card just so she knew I was thinking of her and praying for her….what a surprise when I would get a card back…made my day!! I will miss the surprise cards. She was an amazing person and she loved her family very much! Hold the memories close to your hearts. I pray God holds you all close in the upcoming future as you adjust and meets your every need. Just watch for the little things that will remind you of her. Speak her name often and talk about the memories and keep her spirit alive in your lives. I am sorry that I can’t be at the service but you will all be in my thoughts and I will have a prayer time at the same time. God Bless you all.

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Terry & Rene Iverson
June 8, 2015 at 3:07 pm

We first met Margery 27 years ago when she first started dating my good friend ed. We remember her first time out on the colorado river with ed and us, floating down the river at night singing and howling at the stars. A special love started there and soon there was marriage. little eddie and johnele. We all enjoyed many happy times on the sand bars there. Margery, we thank you for bringing true love into my friends life and all of your family and friends!
From all of your old san diego friends our deepest sympathys.

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