Patricia "Pat" Chapman (Shapton)

Patricia Jo Chapman Shapton, 84, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility of East Jordan, surrounded by the love of family and friends. She was born on December 17, 1941, in Goshen, Indiana, the daughter of Vernell and Helen (Phebus) Chapman.

Pat graduated in 1960 from Lansing Eastern High School where she edited the yearbook, traveled to New York City with her choir, and performed in musical productions. After graduation she worked as a Bell telephone operator for the Michigan State Senate. Pat married William Robert Shapton of Holt, Michigan, on June 29, 1963, at the Mt Hope United Methodist Church of Lansing. Pat went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Dayton in 1965. She then taught second grade in the North College Hill suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio, until the birth of her first child in 1968, after which she devoted her time to family.

Pat moved with William in 1979 to Houghton, Michigan, where she raised her two children. Pat and William retired to their home on the Lake Michigan shore just south of Charlevoix in 2003. She served her Barnard Methodist Church family for many years in several capacities, including as treasurer of the church women’s group.

The eldest child of a school principal and preacher, Pat had a warm, inviting nature; a big smile, backed with a firm sense of right and virtue. Anyone was welcome in her home, at any time, provided they leave their shoes at the door. When purchasing a home, her main concern was space to entertain. Church youth groups and college fellowships, work colleagues and visiting university professors, neighbors and children’s friends were all frequent beneficiaries of her hospitality. She was a dedicated if reluctant walker and cross-country skier with her friends. Together, they created a program called Operation Friendship to provide a welcome and a community for the spouses and children of faculty members new to the harsh and isolating winters of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula.

Pat was most comfortable at home, and travel made her uneasy. This never prevented her from being wherever she was needed. From Japan (during pregnancy complications surrounding the birth of her grandson) to California (during the illness and subsequent death of her daughter), Pat was there to support her children and help raise her grandkids. But by far, her biggest joy was welcoming friends and family to her Eaton Rapids Campmeeting cottage, to the Lake Superior cabin, or to stay for Charlevoix summers. Even at the end, the brightest gleam in her eye was at the front door, exclaiming “Oh, the kids are here!”

In her final days, Pat would have been bothered by the many people gathered to “fuss” over her. Given all the years she spent fussing over us, it was only right. And, she never stopped wanting to get back home. Pat is now at home.

Pat is survived by William, her husband of 62 years; son Wil Shapton of Charlevoix; four grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She was preceded in death by sister Rita Chapman Faiver, brother William (Bill) Chapman, and daughter Heather Shapton Berner.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to Barnard Methodist Church, 01362 Matchett Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Barnard Methodist Church.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00. Pat will be laid to rest at Barnard Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign Pat’s online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes

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