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Bonnie Hope Chapman
Bonnie Hope Chapman
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Bonnie Chapman Obituary
Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1946, she also lived in Dartmouth, MA; Key West, FL; and New Bedford, MA before settling in Attleboro, MA where she spent the last 47 years.
Bonnie became a registered nurse in 1968 through a program at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford which began her life-long love of nursing. It came very easily for her because of her kind, thoughtful, and nurturing personality. She worked at St. Luke's Hospital and Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro before focusing on geriatric nursing at Pleasant Manor in Attleboro and then Marian Manor in Taunton. She reluctantly retired in 2015.
Bonnie will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, thoughtful in words and deeds and exemplary in her demonstration of unconditional love. In her quiet and humble manner, she generously gave whatever she could to her church, friends, and family; shining the spotlight on others while perfectly content to stay in the background.
Born to Norwegian immigrants, Bonnie was proud of her heritage and enriched her life and others with Norwegian culture, food, and decor. She was always happy to give a gnome a home! Scrabble, Bananagrams, jigsaw puzzles and murder mysteries were among her favorite pastimes but she was always happiest spending time with family, especially her sons and grandchildren. Her open door policy to anyone and everyone will stand as an example of how to truly love thy neighbor.
She is survived by sons Kieran Chapman, Jr. and his wife Jill of Bridgewater, MA; Brian Chapman and his wife Hilary Jones of Cranston, RI; brothers Gary Wilhemsen and his wife Kathy of Myrtle Beach, SC; Richard Wilhelmsen and his wife Rebecca of Mattapoisett, MA; and Tom Wilhelmsen and his wife Tina of Wallingford, PA; grandchildren Amelia Chapman, Jeremy Chapman, and Tully Chapman; and ex-husband Kieran Chapman, Sr., in addition to a loving extended family.
A memorial service will be held on July 22 at 10AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairhaven, MA followed by coffee and light refreshments.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kathleen M. Splinter
September 16, 2023
To the Chapman Family, We were all shocked to hear of Bonnie's passing at the St. Luke's School of Nursing's Alumni meeting today. Please accept my sincere condolences. Bonnie & I shared many wonderful experiences as nursing students & many more throughtout the years since. I will keep your family in my prayers.
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Cindy Santos
July 19, 2023
Kieran, Brian n their families,
There are not enough words to truly say how big her heart was. She made my grandson Dean feel loved n included in her life. My truly caring,loving, n sharing friend Bonnie. I loved you like a sister the first time we met. I will never forgot all of our chats.
Your family was truly blessed to get the best.
I miss you n love you more than words could say.
Love, Cindy
Marlene Davis
July 19, 2023
To Bonnie's family
Please accept the sincere condolences from St Luke's Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association. She will be remembered at our annual meeting in September.
Donna and Paul Weaver
July 16, 2023
We send our sympathy and love for your family loss. Bonnie was the kindest and most genuine person we have ever met. She is finally at peace. We will never know anyone as wonderful. If she was part of your life than you were blessed.
Frederick prior
July 15, 2023
My deepest condolences. Having know her son brian chapman for 25 + years she made an amazing son. With such love and understanding and patience. He is truly a great man
Jacqueline Ely
July 15, 2023
Bonnie was a wonderful friend and loved dearly by all. Her bright smile and twinkle eyes was a comfort to me. You couldn't help but love her. She will forever be in my heart. Rest in Peace my friend.
Jacqueline Ely
July 15, 2023
Bonnie was a great friend to many at Brookside Apartments in Attleboro. I will always remember her beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eyes. I will miss her dearly. She has a beautiful heart and loved our times of doing puzzles. She is loved by many and she will always be in my heart. Rest in Peace sweet friend.
Ann Marie
July 15, 2023
Your mom was an amazing woman who touched the lives of everyone she knew. She will be missed by many. Sending love and prayers to all of her family and friends. She was a special cousin to me.
Patricia Tonnessen
July 15, 2023
Sweet memories of when Bonnie and her brother Gary lived with my late husband David Tonnessen and his family for over a year after their Mom died. That connection held throughout their lives.
R.I.P. Bonnie
Joanne Gouveia Pridy
July 15, 2023
Bonnie, my friend of many years. So many good memories of our spending time together, our flower gardening, the out of control climbing rosebush at your mailbox, sharing meals, sharing our love of the elderly population, watching our children grow and your thrill at having grandchildren who filled your heart. Your love for people, your kindness will always be foremost in my memories. Be in peace, my friend.
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