Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Feb 8, 1922 – Oct 10, 2020 (Age 98)
Beth Hartley Chapman, widow of the late William P. Chapman and a resident of St. John’s on the Lake in Milwaukee, fulfilled her life’s journey on Saturday, October 10, 2020. She enriched the world around her through her devotion to her family and generous contributions of her time and talents to the community and arts.
Beth was born in Oakdale, California to Russell Everett Hartley and Mabel Adella (nee Simmonds) Hartley on February 8, 1922. She met the love of her life while attending the University of California – Berkeley but left school to be a war bride. While her husband fought overseas, she earned her B. A. degree from Berkeley and taught school. After the war, she gave birth to four sons and moved the family to Milwaukee in 1956. She and Bill resided in Fox Point for many years, while raising their family and becoming active in civic and charitable pursuits.
The list of Beth’s accomplishments and activities to help further the quality of life in the community is long. She held official positions and board memberships in the Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum, Charles Allis Art Museum, Milwaukee Symphony Women’s League, Nature Conservancy, Women’s Club of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, Milwaukee Art Museum Garden Club, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Beth generously volunteered at and contributed to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Milwaukee Art Museum and Boy Scouts of America, among many other social or civic organizations. She was an active member of the Women’s Club, University Club and Town Club where she enjoyed mixing with friends and playing tennis, racquetball and bridge.
Beth was predeceased by her husband Bill, son Bruce, sister Marie Hartley and brothers Howard and Jack. She is survived by sister Lois Ann Hunter, sons Craig (Mary Ann), Brian (Nancy), Dean; grandchildren Jennifer (Mohsen Mahmoud), Paul (Ty), Thomas (Lauren), Daniel (Jami), Abigail (Paul Musselman), Rebecca (Jordan Adams), Anne (Ben Kaldunski) and seven great-grandchildren.
The family plans a small graveside service at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. The graveside service will be live streamed, at 10:00AM on Thursday, October 28th. To view the live stream, please click on this link: https://youtu.be/iNBOPf-iVxE
A memorial service at Milwaukee’s Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum is planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone wishing to honor her life make a donation to Villa Terrace.
Read MoreBeth will be remembered for her fabulous Christmas parties at the Villa Terrace
Judith
October 31, 2020
Beth and Bill were the nicest people to me. In life, we should strive as a soul 'standard'. They were that couple.
Tom Parris
October 30, 2020 | Greendale, WI | Friend
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always Grandma Beth!
Lauren Graniero-Chapman
October 29, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing Beth during my days with the Fox Point
Federated Garden Club and our District and State meetings. She was one classy lady whom I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with.
Mary Ellen Gardner
October 21, 2020 | Friend
I worked as a private caregiver at St John’s on the Lake. Beth was a lovely lady, always put together and so fun to talk to. I enjoyed seeing her everyday as she made her way around the facility . She was a bright light with a very upbeat personality.
My best to her family.
Eileen Hosmanek
October 20, 2020 | Acquaintance
Dear Brian and Dean and family,
Loved your mom and would see her often at the TC. Kind, always interested and so proud of all of you.
Thoughts and prayers to you for your loss.
John & Holly Moebius
Vail, Colorado
John Moebius
October 17, 2020 | Friend
Beth was the President of the Friends of Villa Terrace from 1995-1999, a pivotal time when the Friends raised nearly $2 million to restore the Renaissance Garden, one of Milwaukee's treasures. We will miss her!
Friends of Villa Terrace
October 14, 2020 | Friend
It was an honor to have known such a wonderful, amazing lady! What a special gift she was to this world. She will always be remembered and loved. Our hearts go out to all family and friends. Rest in peace, "Grandma Beth" and thank you for sharing your life with us.
Kathy & Jerry Musselman
October 14, 2020 | Family