Obituary of Mary Ellen Chapman

In Loving Memory of Mary Ellen Chapman

1945  ~  2026

It is with hearts full of sorrow we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Chapman. Throughout her life, Mary Ellen embodied integrity and wholeheartedness. She believed in doing what was right, working hard, and treating others with kindness and respect. Her strong work ethic was matched only by her loyalty to community, friends and family. Along with being a cherished mother, fun-loving aunty, loyal neighbour and friend, Mary Ellen was a dedicated community member to both her small Red Willow community and the Town of Stettler. She worked as a receptionist for local accounting and law firms,  coordinator for the Stettler Agriculture Society, and for many years at Stettler AADAC. In 2002 she was honoured to receive the Citizen of the Year award.

Finding her niche and passion as a bereavement counsellor, Mary Ellen dedicated herself to helping others navigate some of life's most difficult moments. She offered comfort, understanding, and hope to countless individuals and families, providing a steady hand and a compassionate heart when they needed it most. It was commonplace for Mary Ellen to show up with warmth in her smile, acceptance in her heart and homemade banana bread in hand- lovingly baked and generously shared. Her banana bread became more than a recipe. It became a symbol of her nurturing spirit, her hospitality, and the simple ways she expressed love.

Mary Ellen was also known for her joyful energy and wonderful sense of humor. She could bring laughter into a room, lighten a difficult day, and make ordinary moments memorable. Her warmth drew people in, and her genuine interest in others created friendships that lasted a lifetime. She loved music; woe to anyone who got in the way of her famous “high kick” when she was out on the dance floor! She also enjoyed many athletic pursuits. The fact that  she could “catch anything I threw at her” was one of the many things that initially caught her husband Blain’s eye. She played softball, rode horses, curled on many teams in bonspiels in and  around Stettler, and spent endless hours in the water whether doing laps in the Stettler pool, or  swimming in the bay at Rochon Sands, usually so far out all you could see of her was her head bobbing among the waves!

Growing up in the mountains and near the ocean of Prince Rupert, she truly became a prairie girl. For 61 years Mary Ellen worked side by side with Blain on their family farm, running meals out to the field, planting the garden, or watering her flowers, she was all in. Although she radiated warmth and caring, Mary also had spirit, strength and a will of her own- close neighbours always knew when the Chapmans were working cattle, as Mary Ellen would give ‘directions’ back as good as she got!

Above all else, Mary Ellen cherished her family. She celebrated their successes, supported them through challenges, and loved them without condition. The lessons she taught through her actions of kindness, resilience, generosity, and grace will continue on in the values she imparted to her children and grandchildren.

Mary Ellen was a woman who lived with an open heart and a generous spirit. Whether family, friend, neighbor, or stranger, she had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we are deeply grateful for the years we shared with her and the countless memories she leaves behind. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the love she gave, and the example she set.

She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Mary Ellen is survived by her loving husband Blain;  children ~ Paula (Melissa), Stephanie (Kris) and Angela (Ryan); son Guy (Kim); grandchildren ~ Emily (Nicholas), Grace, Andrew (Clancy), Graeme, Carlyn (Brandon), Candice (Trevor), Isla, Jacob, Marcus, Ethan and Owen;  great grandchildren ~ Scarlett and Kaia; brother ~ Brian (Sarah); brothers in law  and sisters in law ~  Morgan, Myrna, Betty (Lyle), Blake (Donna), Bryce (Romy), Phyllis and Garnet; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents Myrtle and Harlie; parents in law ~ Beth and Bill; brother ~ Johnny; sister in law ~ Linda and nephew ~ Blair.

A Celebration of Life

Red Willow Community Hall, Red Willow, Alberta

Sunday, September 6, 2026 from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.

Memorial donations in memory of Mary Ellen may be made to the

Red Willow Cemetery; Stettler KidSport (Pool Passes for Kids) or a charity of choice.