Born July 23, 1940 in Melrose, Iowa, Mary Elizabeth Chapman was the third child of Gertrude (Sinclair) and George T. Koffman, Mary had three brothers and one sister.

Mary attended school in Melrose, graduating from Albia High School. She began working at an early age, helping her mother and sister in their cafes and selling Fuller Brush products with her mother. She also work at Maxine’s restaurant and for several years at a bank in Chariton.

The last 39 years of her work life were dedicated to serving eight pastors and the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Chariton. In recent years Mary valiantly tried to conquer the challenges of changing computer programs, but in the end, the confusion resulting from the computer led to Mary leaving her long-held secretarial position.

Mary was anything but a quitter however. At age 85, she started applying for part time jobs around Chariton, finally resigning herself to trying to enjoy the freedom of retirement.

Mary’s faith was an important part of her life. She was baptized July 28, 1940, and confirmed April 18, 1953, at St. Patrick’s Church in Georgetown. She attended Holy Mass every week of her life.

Since her passing, various parishioners have been sharing fond memories of Mary. One recalls how Mary kindly helped her search for and find just the right item to be given in memory of her beloved deceased parents. Others recall all the laughs the shared as they cut pies and helped the knights of Columbus to serve at their fish fries. Mary had a reputation, too, for the many boxes of chocolate candies she gifted. Several wish she had not so secretly guarded her ham salad recipe. When Mary retired, the ladies of Sacred Heart gathered to honor her at a luncheon at the Grassroots restaurant in Humeston.

Mary’s life was most happily centered around her husband George, who she married on April 15,1967, and with whom she shared 49 years together. She and George loved traveling, especially to Branson, Missouri, where they had a time share, but they also traveled to many states and even to Canada. George loved cars and was active in drag racing in Eddyville, starting out as Chapman and Carpenter. He also loved car shows, so Mary went with him as he participated in those drag races and traveled to car shows.

Mary’s last days were often lonely. She had been loved and tenderly cared for by her beloved George, and she grieved the sudden loss of his companionship.

Mary and George were not blessed with children, but her sister, Georgie, was Mary’s dearest friend. Mary’s niece, Theresa Sebben, held a special place in Mary’s heart. She looked forward to the times she and Tess could be together.

Mary passed away on September 13, 2025, at the Lucas County Hospital. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Margaret Patten of Florida and Sheila (Tom) Koffman, her dear niece Theresa Sebben, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her mother and father-in-law, her beloved George, and her brothers, John, Jim and Tom, her sister Georgina.

Services and support for the family are under the direction of Fielding Funeral Home of Chariton.