Christine A. Chappell's Obituary
Christine “Chris” Ann Chappell, 88, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the eve of Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, with family members by her side.
Chris was born to Howard and Myrtle Cook on February 27, 1938, in Ravenna, Ohio. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1955 and earned her teaching degree from Kent State University of Ohio in 1959.
Chris taught first grade at Jackson Elementary School in Stevens Point, and later worked at the Stevens Point Public Library as a children’s librarian, touching countless young lives with her enthusiasm, creativity, and gift for storytelling. Chris married Gerald Chappell, her college sweetheart in 1958. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 14, 2018. Together they produced three children, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. In 2004 Gerald and Chris moved to Waupaca, Wisconsin. They chose Waupaca for what it offered in the way of a relaxing community to enjoy the remaining years of their retirement. Gerald passed away at the age of 86 in 2018.
Chris loved reading, arts and crafts, playing the piano, and hosting family gatherings that often went on for many days. She had a great sense of humor and wholeheartedly believed a good laugh to be therapeutic. Her personal motto was “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, and don’t mess with Mr. In-between!” Chris donated money to organizations that she supported, and volunteered in the community to improve the lives of others. She never took her own good fortune for granted, and loved spending time with family, laughing and always wearing a smile on her face. She was a loving and caring person, devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend, always thinking of others first. Chris is survived by her son Steve (Kathleen), her daughter Cyndi (Rob), son Scott; seven grandchildren, Scotty (Jessica), Noah (Elsa), Zachary (Diana), Anya (Andrew), Brandon, Cody, and Jessica (Glenn); six great grandchildren, Ryden, Shaylynne, Nora, Lincoln, Sebastian, Valentina, and a host of nieces, nephews, a sister-in-law, and friends.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Monday, May 18, at The Holly Funeral Home, 526 S. Main St, Waupaca, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held at 10:30am, and service at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Portage County Public Library, Stevens Point branch, or Bethany Home, Waupaca, Wisconsin.
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