Mary Chappell Obituary

Mary "Catty" Catherine Chappell
Jerseyville - Mary Catherine "Catty" Chappell passed away peacefully at her son's home in Tempe, Arizona on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the age of 96. She was born to Mary Ann and James Catt of Jerseyville, where she was raised with strong family values and a love for community, principles she carried with her throughout her life. She was educated in Jerseyville schools and The University of Illinois, Urbana. Catty loved children. She served as the director of the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation Daycare in Jerseyville and Otterville, as an educator with Jersey Community Unit School District #100 and a substitute teacher at St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville, where her leadership and care impacted countless lives. Her first job as a teacher was in a "country school" with all elementary grades. Catty loved flowers and appreciated colors more than many people. She brought her artistic flair to Egelhoff Floral Company as a florist, brightening the lives of many with her beautiful arrangements. Her legacy is one of compassion, dedication and love – a life well-lived, filled with meaningful connections and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. Her family will forever cherish her memory and the many ways in which she touched their lives. She is lovingly remembered by her son, James C. Chappell (Pam); her grandsons, Sean (Liaini), Kyle (Shauna), both of Tempe, AZ, and Tyler (Rose) of Jerseyville; seven great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy; as well as her niece, Victoria Wilson Strandhoy of Raleigh, NC. Catty's family was her greatest source of pride, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She was preceded in death by her parents, her cherished son, Richard C. Chappell of Jerseyville and Tempe, AZ; her sister, Eleanor Rain Milner of Carrollton and Winston-Salem, NC; and her nephew, Robert J. Milner of Sedalia, MO. She will be laid to rest at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville at a later date. Memories may be shared with the family by visitingwww.crawfordfuneralhome.com.