Deborah Schneider Chapman, 68, of Laurel, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 15, after a year-long struggle with glioblastoma brain cancer.
Chapman had a highly regarded marketing and communications career spanning 35 years working for AIIM International and the International Sleep Products Association.
“Deb was a valued employee of ISPA for over 20 years,” said Catherine Lyons, ISPA chief financial officer. “She contributed so much to the organization … leading the marketing for our events with creativity, being the friendly face of ISPA to our members at EXPO registration, shepherding the supplies guide to completion each year. She never said no to any project and was always willing to lend a hand.”
Born June 5, 1954, in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York, to Richard Schneider and Miriam Marin, Chapman graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1972. Four years later, she earned a B.S. degree from Queens College.
After college she married Robert N. Chapman and moved to the Baltimore, Maryland, area where they raised their two children, David and Jason Chapman. They were married 45 years.
Chapman’s thoughtful, kind and intelligent nature endeared her to many, her family wrote in her obituary. She was articulate, had a quick wit, and a steady presence, with a measured approach to any situation. She was a great listener and her way of communicating made everyone comfortable, heard and respected.
Chapman also liked being on top of current events. She was an avid reader, and she could always be counted on for game night — she also became quite fond of cats. She enjoyed traveling, antiquing, and sea glass collecting, but most of all, she loved a great cup of tea.
When hearing of her diagnosis, Chapman was determined to live her life joyfully. Her positive spirit guided her with determination and intention, and she was an inspiration to all who knew her.
“ISPA was lucky to have such a dedicated, hard worker,” Lyons recalled. “Her colleagues were lucky to have a trusted coworker. And many of us were lucky to have Deb as a treasured friend. She will be missed.”
Chapman dedicated her life to being a wife, mother and friend. She is survived by her family: husband Robert; sons David (Sarah) of Windsor Mill and Jason (Alessandra) of Sykesville; sister Joann (Irwin) Silverman of Jacksonville, Florida; sister-in-law Eileen (Allan) Lichtenthal of Long Island, New York; as well as nephews, cousins and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents Richard Schneider and Miriam Marin and parents-in-law Allan and Diana Chapman.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, Maryland 21029. Donations can be made to the ASPCA.
