The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Joanne Marie Chapman, who loved to be called Jo, was born in Longview on October 2, 1970 to parents Ken Chapman and Sonja Kruse of Rosburg. Joanne passed away peacefully March 18, 2014 at the Hospice Care Center with her family by her side. Joanne was a very unique individual who began participating in Special Olympics when only eight, acquiring numerous medals over the years in swimming, track, baseball, soccer and bowling. Her education began at the Longview Progress Center Infant Stimulation Classes and spanned enrollment in the Longview Christian Preschool, Broadway Grade School, Special Ed in the Ocean Beach School District, Rosburg Grade School and Naselle High School. She was very proud of her high school diploma and was a very loyal Naselle Comets fan. She was also very fond of birthday parties and the family cat.

Joanne lived first in Rosburg, moving to Longview with her family at the age of three and later back to Rosburg until her high school graduation, at which time she returned to Longview, most recently living in the Outward Bound group home. In addition to her parents, Joanne is survived by her brother Jon (Angie) Chapman, nephews Chase and Chandler and niece Ellie of Naselle, Aunt Caroline (Raymond) Badger and Uncle George (June) Chapman as well as several cousins. Joanne’s special lifelong friend was Sandi Carrico whom she met in the Infant Stimulation Class.

The family offers its sincere gratitude to all of the LifeWorks staff who have played such an important and encouraging part in Joanne’s life over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifeworks, in memory of Jo Chapman, 906 New York St., Longview, WA 98632 or Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632. Dowling Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

A community celebration of life was held March 22 in Rosburg and additionally at the LifeWorks office on March 23.

- Paid Obituary -