Barbara Jean Chappell

Barbara graduated from Dearborn High School and with her striking platinum blond hair, she was quickly spotted by a local photographer. She started modeling in the 1950’s for the Ford Motor Photo Club and signed on with the PJ Modeling Agency. One of her proudest moments was winning runner up in the Miss Northland Beauty Pageant. Barbara married Terry Chappell in 1961, and they had 3 children, Sandra, Thomas and James. She eventually took a job as a cashier at Farmer Jack and had another proud moment winning Cashier of the Year.

Barb was passionate about all types of animals. She was drawn to dogs and had many fur kids over the years. Her current one, Brandi Lane became her best little buddy. They were inseparable. She also spent years owning and working with harness racehorses. She treated her horses with kindness and gentle hands.

If you knew Barb, you knew exactly where you stood with her, period! She was an extraordinarily strong independent woman who did not back down from much of anything. Barb loved the water and her fondest memories growing up were spending time with her grandparents on North Lake near Chelsea, Michigan. This prompted her to decide to make sure she lived on a lake, canal or near water. She had recently moved to Douglas, Michigan to be closer to her son, James and his husband, JP. She mentioned many times how this move was a full circle experience for her. Her grandparents used to take her to the Saugatuck/Douglas area for vacations and to swim at Oval Beach. Her son James took her on many rides around the area to reminisce.

Barbara was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Sandra Andreini and her ex-husband and friend, Terry Chappell.

She is survived by her sons, Thomas Chappell (Michelle) and James Chappell (Jeff Palmer), son-in-law, Jeff Andreini, Granddaughters, Cassie Anderson (Shane), Ally Merriam (Kyle), Mandi Arneson (Connor), and Dri Andreini and Great Grandchildren, Colt Anderson, Elda Anderson and Averie Arneson.

A visitation and service will be held for Barbara on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 12:00pm, in the chapel at the Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens, 43300 W. 12 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48377. A luncheon is planned to follow the service at Buddy’s Pizza, 44225 W. 12 Mile Road, Novi, MI as she loved eating at Buddy’s. In lieu of flowers, Barb’s wishes were to have loved ones donate in her memory to a local animal shelter, rescue or humane society.