Elda Catherine Chapman

ELDA CATHERINE CHAPMAN JUL 8, 1923 - AUG 23, 2010 Our sweet mother passed peacefully from this life on Monday, August 23, 2010 at home in Roseville, CA. The only child of Natale and Rena Marello, Elda spent most of her youth in El Cerrito, CA where she excelled in school loving her English, French and Latin classes and acapella choir where her vocal gift found audience. Prior to WWII, Elda attended business college in Berkeley, CA. The onset of WWII brought a great sense of duty to the country. After a relentless pursuit by her grade school sweetheart, John (Jack) Chapman, the two were married. John enlisted for active duty in the US. Navy and Elda reported as a working volunteer for the American Red Cross; both were Stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina before their final wartime home of New Orleans, LA. After returning from active duty, John and Elda took up residence in Oakdale, CA where they worked on the Chapman family ranch and began raising their family. In 1952 the couple and their son, John Jr. moved to Modesto where they resided for 52 years. Not only was Elda a loving wife and devoted mother to her three children, she was a pioneer in the field of X-Ray and forged the way for the working woman. Elda was one of the first women to earn her certification from the State of California in the field of Radiologic Technology. Her tenure in the field spanned over 35 years as an X-Ray Technician at Scenic General Hospital in Modesto, CA. After retiring, she continued her health services as she traveled the central valley providing industrial workers the convenient and affordable opportunity of breast cancer mammography. Her life-long service to others is a testament to her commitment to making a difference by caring for others. E1da was a member of Native Daughters, American Radiology Society, and the Swiss Club of Modesto. Elda will be lovingly remembered by her family and all those who called her a friend as her home knew no stranger. Those who knew her warm and loving nature, will fondly remember her kitchen filled with foods representative of her Italian heritage and treats from her garden. Food, music and good times were always in abundance at the Chapman home. Elda is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John (Jack) Franklin Chapman. She is survived by her three children, Dr. John Chapman, Jr. (Barbara) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Jonelle Hooper, of Lincoln, California; and Jonette de Camp (Scott) of Modesto, California; three grandchildren, Paul Hooper (Mayura) of New York, NY; Jennifer Meyer (Garrett) of Gridley, CA; Tyler de Camp of San Diego, CA; three great grandchildren; and her unofficial son and personal hero, Mr. Michael Fleshman (Judy) of Carmichael, CA. Our mom's radient smile, unmistakable laugh, and enormous love for her family and friends will live on in our hearts forever. A private family service honoring Elda's life will be held in November on the waters of the San Francisco Bay. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society or to a non-profit service organization of your choice. www.modbee.com/obituaries