Marjorie Chappell's Obituary
Marjorie Chappell, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2015 at Heartwood Lodge Hospice Residence in Spring Lake, Michigan.
Marjorie is survived by a son Stephen (Deborah) Chappell and their daughter Leah of Grand Haven, Michigan; a brother Dr. Norman (Elinor) Gysbers of Columbia, Missouri; five grandchildren in Arizona and Southern California, Genevieve (Mark) Chappell-Stitt, Gwendelyn Chappell, Jacqueline Chappell, Anjanette (Reid) Kupfers, and Robert Chappell; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by the father of her children, Dr. Tolan L. Chappell, of La Habra, California; her son Robert Chappell, of Seal Beach, California; and a brother Robert Gysbers of Waupun, Wisconsin.
Marjorie was born August 21, 1924 in Waupun, Wisconsin to George and Mabel (Landaal) Gysbers, attended Waupun schools and graduated in 1947 from Hope College in Holland, Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. Upon graduation, Marjorie worked for the Ottawa County Bureau of Social Aid, and later at Stephen’s College in Columbia, Missouri.
In 1947 she married Tolan Chappell. They lived in Holland, Michigan, Columbia, Missouri, and Lexington, Kentucky, before settling in Southern California, where they raised two sons, Robert and Stephen.
Marjorie later obtained a masters degree in special education from California State University at Los Angeles and worked as a high school teacher for twenty years until her retirement in 1994. Throughout her life she remained active in church, initially in the Reformed Church of America, and later as a member of various Presbyterian congregations.
Following her retirement, Marjorie focused on her grandchildren, volunteered for various organizations, and traveled extensively overseas. She continued to be an avid reader and pursued life-long learning opportunities up until her passing.
In keeping with Marge's wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army of Grand Haven, 310 N. Despelder St., Grand Haven, MI 49417 or to WGVU Public Media, 301 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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