Ann Chapman Debes

Ann Chapman Debes passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 17, 2025. Ann was born on July 15, 1937, in East Cleveland, OH to Erie DeGrasse Chapman and Mary Ellen (Molly) Murbach Chapman.
Ann is survived by her daughters Susan (Peter Coburn) and Meredith (David Sawyer) and five grandchildren, Meredith Coburn, Robert Coburn (Clare), Grace Ogle (Daniel), Kyle Sawyer (Jordan), and Jack Sawyer, and two great-grandchildren Charlie and Beau Coburn, as well as her siblings Erie (Chip) Chapman (Kirsten), Martha Chapman, and John (Spike) Chapman, and her sister in law Susan Brown. Ann's beloved husband Bruce died in 2004.
Ann enjoyed a magical childhood in Los Angeles, California where she attended Westlake School for Girls. Her classmates were the children of Hollywood's most notable actors, directors and producers, and this became the inspiration for her lifelong love of movies. Ann was thrilled to have been elected President of her senior class at Westlake, only to be plucked from the glamor of Hollywood life when her father's job required a transfer to Toledo, Ohio. Ever resilient, Ann graduated from Sylvania Burnham High School and then attended Northwestern University, where she met Bruce. Bruce spotted Ann from across the room at "The Key" in Evanston and insisted that he meet her. They were married on July 20, 1959, and headed to Madison, WI. Ann was the sole breadwinner while Bruce attended University of Wisconsin Law School. Upon graduation, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where they lived for seven years. Bruce's career shift in 1969 prompted a move back to the Midwest, and they settled in Grand Rapids.
Family was always Ann's priority, but her boundless energy led her to dedicate years of involvement in the Grand Rapids Junior League, Delta Gamma, Mary Free Bed Guild, Northwestern, and the Women's Committee of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Bruce and Ann traveled the world with their dear friends, and Ann always treasured those memories.
As a relatively young widow, Ann built a happy, fulfilling next chapter thanks to her own resilience and the love and support of her wonderful friends. Her bridge, movie, and canasta groups were the highlight of her days, and she wishes to express her deep appreciation and love to all with whom she shared this fellowship.
Besides her family and friends, Ann loved spring tulips, a travel adventure, breaking 100 at Cascade Hills Country Club, family reunions, a 22-point hand in bridge, the success of Mary Free Bed Hospital, a great movie, an organized drawer, and winning her age group (at age 70) in the 5K River Bank Run.
Ann wishes to express her deep appreciation to Dr. Sam Giovannucci and the caregivers at Cancer and Hematology Centers, Megan at Corewell Butterworth Hospital and Alison with Faith Hospice for treating her with great skill, dignity and kindness.
Private services for Ann have been held. Donations in her memory may be made to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital or Blood Cancer United, formerly known as The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society.
"Do not grieve unduly. When the indignities of advancing age and declining health creep up on us, many of us are ready for the next chapter." – unknown