Birth date: Dec 1, 1932 Death date: Mar 16, 2024
Frances Ann Chapman, 91, of Cape Coral, FL passed away at home, Saturday, March 16, 2024. She was born December 1, 1932, in Akron, OH to the late James and Helen Chapman. Fran is survived by her loving husband and soulmate of 45 y Read Obituary
Fran was my moms best friend ever since they met way back on Carnegie street in Akron. We spent many years with her and all the kids, playing and growing up together. I was so glad she found John and was able to embark on so many adventures! Equally grateful that her son, Chris has been there for her to the end. My heart and many hugs go out to all the family. She will be missed so very much.
Fran was my second mom for all of my life. She and my 1st mom, H Joyce Thompson, were forever friends, just like Chris and I. She was the only reason Joy would ever attempt a move to Florida, but she had the best time there because of Fran and John. They were always the 'best of us', and I believe that was shared with everyone as well. Our deepest condolences to John and Chris, our love for you all is very strong.
I know she touched all who met her as she touched me.
We thought of them both during the recent eclipse and felt the love!
Blake & Bertha Thompson
Sweet, wonderful, selfless and tough Fran. A strong woman who, through the school of hard knocks, earned her Doctorate degree in human psychology during her tenure at the N-P. She was an advocate for those on the bottom rung of business to those at the top rung. Fran knew how to balance it all.
I met this dear lady about January 1983 when I applied for an internal transfer from Classified Adv. to HR. She and David Bullock, also of HR, were helping me to adjust to a big interview I had with Jo-Ann Bradley, HR Director the following week. Oh boy those tricksters, what an interview it was, it wound up being all three of them against little old me.
Needless to say, I passed, and became a part of HR in February 1983. Tragedy struck HR on July 4, 1984, when David was killed in an automobile accident. Rough time for everyone. Through the years, Fran was the guiding light for employees. Her following was huge, and I tried my best to learn as much as possible from Fran. She never took a break, never took lunch, she always worked, and she was a master at squeezing every minute or more out of an hour.
Fran's position of Training Manager was more than a job. She was there for almost every possible need of the employee and management base. Her presence at The N-P was joyful to watch. Fran was an amazing employee who represented her employer to the eenth degree, and she was an amazing human being to all of us! I loved and love this woman so much!
Maryann Perkins, former HR M
