Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Chapman

To View the Livestreaming of Beth's Service Please Click Here.

Beth was born at home in South Dorchester Township, on September 19, 1925.  She attended Aylmer High School.  Beth received her teaching certificate from the London Normal School and taught in primary schools near London, Ontario, and Ahousat, British Columbia.  She obtained her B.A. from Victoria College, University of Toronto (1950).  Beth went on to study theology at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto and graduated in 1953 and that July, married her classmate, Doug Chapman.

She will be deeply missed by her family: sister Marion Boyce, brother Malcolm MacVicar (m. Dianne MacVicar of London) Anna (m. Robert Tumchewics of Yellowknife); Moira (m. Frank Dunn of Waterloo); Lex (m. Sheila Lindsay of Ottawa); and her grandchildren, Alicia and Louise Tumchewics; Laura and Mary Dunn; Joshua and Cara Chapman, and much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Beth is predeceased by her husband, Doug (1927 – 2006); daughter Sylvia (1958 – 1968); grandson John Tumchewics (1989 – 2010) and brother-in-law Wilf Boyce (1921 – 2018).

While raising her family, Beth provided Christian Education and contributed to community organization in support of her husband’s ministry at Spirit River, Alberta, Westboro in Ottawa and North Gower, Ontario.  She and Doug then continued their own theological studies at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis (1968 – 1969).  Beth was ordained by London Conference, in 1969.

Beth started her ministry at the Kintore Pastoral Charge in Oxford County (1969 – 1977). She then shared a ministry with her husband Doug at the St. Paul’s Botany Pastoral Charge in Kent Presbytery (1977 – 1987). Beth went on to work part-time at Fairmount United, London (1987 – 1989). Beth retired in 1990 and was actively involved at Calvary United Church, London for which she a live long affiliation. She also continued to provide pulpit supply on numerous pastoral charges. Throughout her career, Beth served on many local, provincial, and national committees and boards of the United Church of Canada.  Throughout her life, Beth maintained a keen interest in rural life, and the farming communities that she served. Beth enjoyed a rich and full life, a life well lived.

A special thanks to all those at Luther Village for their exemplary care and support.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday February 4, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. A celebration of Beth’s life and ministry will be held in the funeral home chapel following visitation on Saturday February 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. The livestream and recording of the service is available at www.erbgood.com for all those unable to attend.An interment will be held at Rideauvale Cemetery, Kars, Ontario in June 2023.

Condolences for the family and donations to Lutherwood Child and Family Foundation or the charity of your choice may be arranged at www.erbgood.com.