Obituary of Jean Marjorie Chapman

Jean Marjorie (Marshall) Chapman joined the love of her life on March 31, 2025. 

Jean was born in Minneapolis, MN on August 18, 1932 to Dorothea (Petersen) and Chester Marshall. She graduated from Edison High School where she played timpani, the underlying heartbeat of the orchestra. She went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. While there, she was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sisterhood. During her freshman year she saw a good-looking guy across the field and told her best friend, “I’m marrying that guy!”  

Jean married John Chapman in 1953. On December 18th they were blessed to celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary.  

They began their married life in Germany and explored Europe for two years. Upon their return, they settled in New Ulm, MN and welcomed their first child, Steve; followed by daughters Mary, Susan, and Sally who were born in Edina. The family lived for five years in Detroit, MI before returning to Edina. As empty-nesters, they spent four years in downtown Chicago, 20 years in Albuquerque, and then back to Minnesota for 19 years. 

Jean was a master of loving, entertaining, and fun! Everyone Jean met received a hug and became a friend for life. Meeting Jean meant you were instantly welcomed into her heart and family. 

Jean entertained big! She loved having her home filled with people. She kept guests well fed with gourmet food; often hosting dinner parties that became an event to never forget. She could create a festive atmosphere in a minute! She loved merrymaking. Jean played tennis for decades and dabbled with small businesses in catering and selling crafts. Just a few of her volunteer jobs included: UNICEF, Head Start, The Art Institute of Chicago, public schools, and Cub Scouts. 

Jean’s greatest gift was her ability to be a mom. She was a mom to her four kids and so many others who wandered into her life. As her children began to have kids of their own, they all took notes and modeled how she loved and cared for her grandchildren. Grammy genuinely knew each of her 10 grandchildren and cherished their unique personalities. Throughout her life she sacrificed to serve and uplift her family. Her family was her treasure. 

Jean loved traveling; from exploring a new hiking trail, to boarding a cross-continental flight or cruising (perhaps a bit over the speed limit) by auto throughout North America. 

Jean loved cabin life on Lake Pokegama; a place she spent all her summers as a child. She and John built a log cabin on the same lake property and spent their retired summers there. Truly, a family reunion all summer long. Jean started the “3rd of July” party on their cabin deck that ballooned to 50-plus people and continues to this day. 

Jean was known for her hugs, bare feet, amazing hosting, and always having a tune on her lips to lift a spirit or fit the occasion. Mom was the underlying heartbeat of our family. We miss her dearly. 

Jean was preceded in death most recently, in January, by her soul mate and husband John. She was also preceded by her parents, brothers Bill and Jim, sister Mary, their spouses, John’s brother Bob (Carol) and sister Jane. 

She is survived by her son Steve (Lisa and children John and Jason), daughter Mary (children Grant, Trent and Trace Chiodo), daughter Susan (Brad and children Erik (Tori), Anders and Bjorn) Lindstedt, daughter Sally (children Ana and Brinna Brakke), sister-in-law Ann Chapman, and many nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.