Edith Kathryn Chapman

Edith Kathryn Chapman (née Hine), known to family and friends as Kathy, Mom, or Nana, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family.

Kathy was born on December 2, 1943, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Jean and Glen Hine.

She was a proud graduate of Michigan State University, earning her degree in 1965. Kathy devoted her career to public education, beginning as a sixth-grade teacher at Smith Elementary School in the Berea City School District, where she made a lasting impact on countless students. Her commitment to education and her community continued through eight years of service on the Berea Board of Education.

In 1970, Kathy married John Stewart Chapman, Jr. Together they built a life rooted in family, service, and community. She is survived by her son, John Chapman, III (Ana); daughter, Kathryn Chapman; and step-daughter, Peyton Chapman-Russell (Aubrey). She was a devoted grandmother to Halle, Julia, Jack, Alden, Everett, and Carter, who brought her immense pride and joy.

Kathy was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Fortin (née Hine), her brother, George Hine, and her husband, John. A lifelong lover of dogs, she was a devoted golden retriever mom and is survived by her beloved companion, Cisco.

A longtime resident of Berea, Kathy remained deeply connected to her community before moving to the Renaissance Retirement Campus in 2019, where she quickly found a second family. At the Renaissance, she was a devoted friend and an active, engaged resident, serving on numerous committees, welcoming new neighbors, and offering her time, thoughtfulness, and leadership. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated volunteer and generous contributor to many local causes and was honored with the Grindstone Award in 2007, along with her beloved John, for their service to the Berea community.

Kathy had a lifelong love for Elvis Presley, a passion made especially memorable by the time she met him and shared lunch with him on the set of Flaming Star while living in California-a story she treasured and delighted in telling.

She will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to public education, family, friends, and community.

Visitation will be Tuesday December 23,2025 at Baker Kesinger Funeral Home from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chapman Family Scholarship (https://www.educationfoundationberea.org/chapman.html)
or by mailing checks to:
Education Foundation
390 Fair Street
Berea, OH 44017

Kathy's legacy lives on through the many lives she taught, guided, and loved.