Martha R. “Marty” Chapman

She was born March 31, 1931, in Jamestown, N.Y., a daughter of late Rudolph and Evelyn (Bradway) Johnson.

Martha was raised and educated in Panama, N.Y., and graduated from Panama High School in 1949. She met her high school sweetheart, Harold, whom she married on July 28, 1949 in Panama. She stayed at home to raise and care for their six children while living in the Lottsville and Bear Lake areas. After raising their children and earning a college degree, Martha worked for the Department of Human Services as a social worker.

Over the years, Martha enjoyed playing music as a self-taught organist, collect-ing antique china head dolls, taking photography, going to auctions and restoring antiques. She always had a project. She was a seamstress, did crafts, ceramics and upholstered furniture. She also raised and sold canaries. Martha was an avid bowler and en-joyed traveling with her husband, sisters and children. She had a great sense of humor and always en-joyed life. Mom was al-ways our No. 1 fan and she will be truly missed.

In addition to her parents, Martha was pre-ceded in death by her husband, Harold D. Chapman, on March 3, 2006; stepfather, Ralph Johnson; twin sons: Rudy and Frances Chapman; a brother, Duane Johnson; a son, Wesley Chapman; a sister, Linda Potkovic; and son-in-law, Jim Bryerton.

Martha is survived by three daughters: Sonna Sanden and her husband, James of Warren, Pa., Kathy Chapman of Ashville, N..Y, and Laurie Bryerton of Jamestown, N.Y.; two sons: Brad Chapman and his wife, Peg of Grove City, Pa., and Clint Chapman and his wife, Ellen of Bear Lake, Pa.; daughter-in-law, Jane Chapman of Pittsfield, Pa.; three sisters: Sandy Hoyt of Niobe, N.Y., Cindy St. Pierre and her husband. Maurice of Laplace, La., and Jane Hawkins and her husband ,Bruce of Sherman, NY; one brother, Monty Johnson and his wife, Rose Marie “Tootie” of Bear Lake, PA; one sister-in-law, Lou Johnson of Ashville, N.Y. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Remember, grandma says, “Always eat dessert first.”

Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering for Martha on Oct. 10, 2021, from 1-6 p.m., at the family home.

Harold and Martha’s ashes will be laid to rest at Grant Cemetery in Niobe, N.Y., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bear Lake Fire Department, Center St., Bear Lake, PA 16402.

Arrangements are under the care of the Bracken Funeral Home, Inc., 315 North Center St., Corry, PA.

To sign the guest book or send condolences, please visit www.brackenfh.com.