Mary Frances Chapman

SIOUX CITY -- Mary Frances (Wombolt) Chapman, beloved wife of R. Dean Chapman of Sioux City, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center -- Sioux City. She had been diagnosed Jan. 29, 2010.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Roger Madden officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and prayer service and time of sharing at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Mary was born to Frank and Edith (Swanson) Wombolt in Red Oak, Iowa. Mary graduated with honors from Red Oak High School. She received a bachelor of fine arts in music and voice at the University of Northern Iowa, and was awarded scholarships at both Juilliard and Eastman, but elected the joy of teaching elementary music education in Iowa City. Mary chose her second career as a real estate broker, and was awarded Iowa City's Realtor Associate of the Year in 1977.

On Feb. 23, 1980, Mary and Dean Chapman tied their vows in marriage. Mary played the cello in both the Iowa City and Sioux City symphonies, and uplifted many groups with her music and storytelling. She served as choir director for First United Methodist Church in Sioux City for 18 years. Mary was a member of DKG teacher sorority, PEO, Schubert Club, board member of Sioux City Concert Course and "Music Mama" of Red Hat Society's Crimson Glories of Sioux City.

Mary loved people and always enjoyed brightening others' days throughout her life. She touched many lives in a meaningful way and will be warmly remembered by many people.

Survivors include her husband, R. Dean Chapman; two aunts, Dorothy England of Red Oak and Evelyn Swanson of Redlands, Calif.; several cousins; Dean's daughter, Kathleen and husband Lester Horowitz of Delray Beach, Fla.; Dean's son, Gary and his wife Jo Ann of Supply, N.C.; stepgrandchildren, Maggie May Chapman, Jaben Edward Chapman, Kira Joy and Matthew Blackburn Perez of Boynton Beach, Fla.; Jaben's daughter, Ashlynne; and hundreds of self-appointed nieces, nephews and grandchildren in both Iowa City and Sioux City areas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Kenneth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Hospice of Siouxland or a charity of choice.