- Date Of Death: October 21, 2013
- State: Indiana
Ms. Shirley Ann Chapman, 55, of Conowingo and formerly of Elkhart, Ind., passed away after a sudden illness at Hartford Memorial Hospital in Havre De Grace, Md., at 12:33 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2013.
She was born in Cleveland on May 28, 1958, to Wilburn and Alma (Cook) Chapman, who survive her in Elkhart. Also surviving are her brothers, Gary (Christina) and Larry (Vicki) Chapman, both of Elkhart, and a host of nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Danny and Roy Chapman, preceded her in death.
Upon her graduation from Elkhart Central High School in 1976, Shirley went on to attend Indiana University for a couple of years before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where she served around the world as an environmental health specialist. In 1983 she was honorably discharged due to a service-related injury but continued to work as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Army National Guard in Havre De Grace as an industrial hygienist.
She continued her education while employed; she received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and then later her master’s degree from the West Virginia University College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. In the days following the 9/11 attacks, Shirley supervised U.S. Army National Guard operations in New York City at Ground Zero.
Shirley was a Baltimore Ravens and Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan. She was a former member of the Elkhart Comets — a semi-pro fast pitch ladies’ softball team — when they won the Indiana State championship. She was also the first lady umpire to officiate for the semi-pro men’s softball league in Elkhart. Shirley took a lot of pride in her family and in what she did and will be best remembered for her patriotic dedication to her country.
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