Marcella Ruth Chartrand

Marcella Ruth Chartrand, age 82, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Marcy was born on November 18, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to loving parents Louis and Mary Podpierka. She was later joined by her younger sisters, Mary Lou Brose and Lori Geisinger. Marcy pursued her passion for education, earning her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University and then a Master's degree from the University of Michigan.
After completing her master's, Marcy dedicated herself to teaching at various schools across Michigan and Kentucky. It was during this time that she met and married Army Captain Bobby Jack Begley in 1970. Together, they built a loving home in Louisville, Kentucky, and welcomed their only child, a daughter named Jean Eliza (Beth), in 1973. In 1976, the family moved to Midlothian, Virginia, which became their family home for over two decades. Marcy was deeply saddened by the loss of her husband in 1991. In the years that followed, she found comfort and joy in the company of friends and family, and eventually met the love of her life, James Chartrand, at the Richmond Shag Club while learning the South Carolinian dance. They were married in June 1998 and shared 27 wonderful years together, supporting and loving one another.
Marcy was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was deeply loved by her family, including her husband Jim, her daughter Beth and husband Phil, stepson Matt and wife Cindy, grandchildren Connor, Ethan, Emily, Luke, Alyssa, and Haley, her sisters Mary Lou and Lori, and her sisters-in-law Barbara, Donna, and Betty.
The family is profoundly grateful to Arden Courts for the compassionate care and kindness they provided during this difficult time.
A celebration of Marcy's beautiful life will be held at HD Oliver Funeral Home, 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, on Saturday, November 8th at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the National Alzheimer's Association in her memory.