Marianne Hanny Chapman

Marianne Hanny Chapman, 87, of Fayetteville, NC, passed away on March 12, 2025. Born on June 4, 1937, she lived a life marked by deep dedication to her family. Indeed, Marianne was the quintessential example of a mother’s fierce and protective love and care for her husband and family. Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, she met and fell in love with a young U.S. Army soldier named Jim and married him against all odds. Together, they made a family and traveled together wherever the Army sent them.

Just as Jim served in the U.S. Army with distinction, so Marianne served her adopted country with the same passion, as she guided her family in remaining steadfast and strong through the Vietnam War and other lesser-known campaigns in South America. Our military could depend on Jim because he could depend on Marianne to take care of their home front while he was often away serving his country.

Mama leaves many cherished memories for us as we recall her swatting at huge tarantulas in the middle of the night in Panama or encountering a drawer-full of baby snakes as she put away her sons’ laundry. Who knew that those tiny eggs secretly collected by two curious little boys would hatch? Later, she would help take care of her grandchildren with the love that only an Oma could. Affectionately known as “Omi”, she provided a swimming pool, games and many well-cooked meals for the grandkids, and could not wait for another opportunity to have them stay with her. She was a “hands-on” grandmother.

Later, as she aged and her health declined, she refused to give up, still taking care of Dad the best she could as he struggled with cancer. Her little Yorkie Angel was her constant companion. Often, she would walk around the house with Angel tucked snugly under her arm. When Mama became very ill towards the end, she became more cheerful and greeted strangers who came to take care of her with a smile and a wave of her hand, sometimes singing to them and telling them that she used to be a singer. Her last few weeks was a portrait of how to pass from this life to the next with grace.

Marianne leaves behind her sons James David, Michael (Barbara), grandchildren Justin (Shannon), Ryan (Kristie), Heather, and Natalie, and beloved great-grandchildren. We are very grateful for her caretakers Amy and Tangi, and Hospice workers LaShonda and Stephani. We also thank our friend Ilse for adopting Angel and taking care of her the same as Mama always did. Charitable donations in memory of Marianne can be made to the Hospice Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Her life sacrificial love and passion for family will continue to inspire us as we strive to follow in her footsteps.