Frances Parker Chapman, 83

Frances Parker Chapman, 83, of Fredericksburg died Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Mary Washington Hospital.

Mrs. Chapman was a graduate of the Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas and Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She was an artist and basketmaker and lived a vibrant life traveling often to Europe, Latin American, Africa and the Caribbean. Mrs. Chapman once drove the Alcan Highway from Arlington to Fairbanks, Alaska accompanied only by an unruly dog. She was a certified master gardener and a member of Mary’s Gardeners, a volunteer group that tends the garden at the Mary Washington House. She also served as a director of the Fredericksburg Society for the Prevention of cruelty to animals.

Survivors include her husband, R. Stanley Chapman; two sons; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the SPCA, 10819 Courthouse Road Fredericksburg, VA 22408.