Katherine Chappell

1985 - 2015

Katherine Chappell

1985 - 2015

BORN

1985

DIED

2015

Katherine Chappell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 3, 2015.
RYE, N.Y. (AP) - The American woman who was mauled to death by a lioness in a South Africa game preserve was "brilliant, kind, adventurous and high-spirited," her family says.

Katherine Chappell's "energy and passion could not be contained by mere continents or oceans," the family said in a Facebook posting.

Chappell, 29, grew up in the New York suburbs and a memorial service is scheduled for Saturday in Rye, said Gene Guarino, director of the Graham Funeral Home. He confirmed that Chappell was the victim in Monday's attack in the Lion Park north of Johannesburg.

Chappell's mother, Mary Chappell of Rye, told The Journal News that her daughter went to South Africa to work for two weeks as a volunteer at a different preserve, one dedicated to saving rhinoceroses and elephants.

Katherine Chappell had hoped to make a movie about animal poaching, her mother said.

"She lived a life of adventure - she loved traveling, she was full of life," the mother said.

Katherine Chappell had visited Japan, Australia and Europe as well as Africa, Mary Chappell said.

Hofstra University said Katherine Chappell graduated in 2008 with a degree in film studies and production. She spent the past year in Vancouver, Canada, working for special effects company Scanline VFX on projects including HBO's "Game of Thrones" and the upcoming movie "Pan," her mother said.

"Kate was a valued member of our team and we are devastated by the loss," Scanline VFX said in a statement.

The park where the mauling occurred allows lions to roam while tourists drive through the preserve. A park official said that although visitors are ordered to keep their windows closed, the woman was taking pictures through an open window when the lioness lunged. The vehicle's driver, believed to be a local tour operator, was also injured and was hospitalized.

South African media have reported that an Australian tourist was bitten by a lion earlier this year while driving through the park with his windows open and a teenager who tried to cut through the park on a bicycle was attacked by a cheetah.

The park official said the lioness would not be killed, but was kept away from tourists after the attack.

Chappell is survived by her parents, two sisters, a brother and a brother-in-law.


Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Katherine Chappell's Guest Book

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November 14, 2024

Adarsha Rao posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2018

Jackie Bambara posted to the memorial.

March 19, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

62 Entries

Adarsha Rao

November 14, 2024

Condolences to Katherine's family on your loss. According to Hindu Bible, souls change bodies just as as people change cloths. I have a feeling that Katherine's soul has reincarnated as my son.

But my 3 year old son told me the story of his past life that matches exactly with Katherine's story. I live half way around the world and I did not know Katherine. I learned about her only after he told me his story. He could recognize her picture too. There is quite a lot that he still remembers from previous life. We are Hindus, but he says Jesus is the greatest god. He has not seen any captain America movies, but he is big fan of captain America. We do not speak English at home, but he is picking up English very fast. If anyone from Katyherine's family is interested, you can reach out to me.

Jackie Bambara

July 18, 2018

many years ago I rescued a little baby in the middle of the Boston Post Road across from St Mary's Cemetery as I now look at this I am wondering if this was her as I vaguely remember the last name being Chappell please accept my

March 19, 2016

She will be remembered in our town... She looked exactly like her mother

D A

June 17, 2015

My most sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow. May God's word provide you strength and comfort at this difficult time. "He heals the brokenhearted; and binds up their wounds". Psalms 147:1. "God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress". Psalms 46:1.

michelle plakas-kaiser

June 11, 2015

rip

June 8, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Katherine. May you find comfort in God's Word because he is the God of all comfort and the Hearer of prayers. He knows the pains we suffer and in his due time he will answer our prayer. - Philippians 4:6

E. Ash

June 8, 2015

My heartfelt sorrow goes out to the Chappell family on the loss of their daughter in such a tragic way.please find comfort in knowing God will not forget her fine works to help others and he will reward her efforts. Isaiah 49:15

Leila

June 8, 2015

I'm really sorry that the Chappell family lost their beautiful daughter. She was so full of energy, talented, and a strong woman. I can only understand what they are going through. Although no word can take the pain away, only God knows when we are broken at heart or crushed in spirit, (Ps. 31:7) and He can sustains you, strengthen you, and comfort you in moments like these. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.

June 8, 2015

My condolences to the family. May you draw strength and comfort from the God of comfort. 2cor1:3-5.

E R

June 7, 2015

I am sorry for your great loss of love one. Knowing we can see our love one again can bring us comfort. John 11:24,25,26, John 6:40,

June 7, 2015

We are so sorry for you loss. Such a tragedy. Pennsylvania

Glen Hausfeld

June 7, 2015

Peace.

Nadia

June 7, 2015

Katherine,
It brought me great sadness to read about what happened. I pray that your soul rests in peace for eternity. I pray that God grants comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time and that they can look back on memories of you with fondness. God love you. Amen.

Jack & Sandy Adams

June 6, 2015

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

christine nightingale

June 6, 2015

I feel very sad reading about what happened to Katherine. Like myself she was passionate about animals. So sorry for all her loved ones. RIP kind lady.

Cindy

June 6, 2015

How tragic to lose such a bright light. My condolences go out to the family as you endure this great loss. May God help you to cope with your grief.

Andrea

June 6, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

June 5, 2015

REST IN PEACE KATHERINE

June 5, 2015

So sorry for your loss, we all are looking forward to the day when John 5:25 will come true for all the ones we love and lost. W.J

June 5, 2015

A life taken far to soon. May she rest in peace. Condolences to the family.

June 5, 2015

My condolence to the family. May you find comfort from God's words Ps 37 : 9,10,29

June 5, 2015

June 5, 2015Chappell family sorry for your loss. May the love from the God of all comfort make your hearts firm while you trust him for support and strength as you mourn the loss of your loved one. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17. My sincere condolences to your family

Trudy J.

June 5, 2015

I am sorry for your loss. May she rest peacefully until the time when she can enjoy the benefits of Isaiah 11:6-9.

Z L

June 5, 2015

My condolences to Katherine's parents, family and friends. No words can express how a parent feels to lose a child but know that she is sleeping peacefully. Take comfort in God and the scriptures. Isaiah 11:6-9 and John 6:40.

June 5, 2015

I know your pain is great over the death of this beautiful young lady. We're praying for God's strength to see you through this terrible loss.

t c

June 5, 2015

My deepest sympathies for the loss of Katherine Chappell. May the God of comfort help you through this tragic loss.

June 5, 2015

Chappell family sorry for your loss. May the love from the God of all comfort make your hearts firm while you trust him for support and strength as you mourn the loss of your loved one. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17. My sincere condolences to your family.

Brenda Shelley

June 4, 2015

So sorry for your loss.

Roberta Vittozzi

June 4, 2015

I am saddened by your loss. May G-d help you cope.

b c

June 4, 2015

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one, Katherine. She loved life and can look forward to the time when she will live again under peaceful conditions right here on this lovely earth that she enjoyed exploring so much. Even the animals will be at peace with mankind at that time. May she rest in peace until then----Micah 4:4

Jane Dowling

June 4, 2015

Prayers for you and your family, Katherine ~ Rest in peace.

eh

June 4, 2015

Dear Chappell Family, I'm so sorry for you loss. May the memories of your loved one help you cope with your loss and may you find comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father is near all who call on him. (Psalms 145:18&19)

Camille

June 4, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. Please be comforted by the fact that God cares about you personally and will help you get through your grief.. He says "I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears" 2 Kings20:5

Shirley Flowers

June 4, 2015

Very sorry for your loss, she sounds like she was a great adventurer and lived life to the fullest. So many are thinking of you at this sad time.

CJ

June 4, 2015

To the Chappell Family may the true God the hearer of prayer console your grief and comfort your pain (Psalm 119:25,76)I offer my deepest condolences.

June 4, 2015

Dear Family,we extend our heartfelt sympathy to you.May
our Lord and Savior give you
comfort and peace in your hearts today and the days
ahead.
The Hall Family, S.C.

TinaMarie Palmer

June 4, 2015

So very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.

the Wilson family

June 4, 2015

We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family on the loss of one so dear. Those of us having experienced such a loss know the pain. May you be comforted by the support of friends and the God of tender mercies.

June 4, 2015

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends. I hope that the promise found in
1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

June 4, 2015

My condolence to the Chappell family. Our heavenly father will be a source of strength for you and be a place of refuge during your time of need.

Edward Nichols

June 4, 2015

Rest In Peace! Oh great adventurer! The world is a better place, you having walked on it

June 4, 2015

Warm condolences to the family. Katherine was a free spirited and talented young lady. May your fond memories help you in the days and weeks ahead. Psalm 145:18

Linda Martin

June 4, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the family. May your many wonderful memories of Katherine always bring a smile to your faces and comfort to your hearts.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.

Bill/Elaine

June 4, 2015

To the family of Katherine: Our deepest condolences on your loss. God speed.

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

June 4, 2015

In God's care rest in peace

Sheila

June 3, 2015

In Gods care.

June 3, 2015

YSorry for your loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together with Katherine. Draw close to GOD and he will draw close to you.

June 3, 2015

Didnt know her but was a beautiful girl. sure hate it and know her mom and dad are going to miss. So sad so young just amkes me sick in my prayers Joanne Hankins

June 3, 2015

May the God of all comfort strengthen the entire family during this time of sorrow. Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15) My sincerest sympathy.

Diane, Kelly & Korey Stevens

June 3, 2015

Our condolences to the Chappell family. My sister & I went to Holy Child, Katie a year younger than me & part of the 1st 5th grade class. Mrs.Chappell was our drama teacher all through middle school teaching us sign language to Eric Claptons "if I could change the world" along with theatrical productions like "Bye, Bye Birdie" where we were taught how to swing dance. The relationship her & her daughter Katie had was evident to be that of a close & strong one as they were known to share lunches together in her classroom & we're always together. I can't imagine what the family is going through but so many thoughts & prayers are with you, from all different people but especially those who were lucky to partake in a dramatic creation with Mary & spend time as her student, a passion for the arts that obviously was passed down to her daughter. You & your family are in our thoughts, prayers & hearts!

David J Bhaltazhar Esq

June 3, 2015

Farewell

Abby

June 3, 2015

Katherine certainly had a love for nature and animals and accomplished so much in her time. My condolences go to her family. May the God of tender mercies comfort you in these difficult moments.

Adrian Barnette

June 3, 2015

We'll miss you !

June 3, 2015

My condolences go out to the family during this time of grief.We yearn for the time when "Death is Swallowed Up Forever"(1 Cor 15:54(please read))

June 3, 2015

May you put your trust in God who have the power to resurrect your love one.

Eric Bris

June 3, 2015

RIP, my condolences for the family. :-(

Scott Chamberland

June 3, 2015

Please accept my Deepest Sympathies

Anne and Matthew

June 3, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chappell family

FDR

June 3, 2015

Our sincere condolences to the Chappell family and friends for the Loss of such a wonderful person. May the God of all comfort found at Exodus 6:3 help guard your hearts and thoughts during this difficult time.

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Sign Katherine Chappell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 14, 2024

Adarsha Rao posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2018

Jackie Bambara posted to the memorial.

March 19, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.