Carolyn Ann Chapman died peacefully at home on May 24, 2025, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Carolyn was born March 18,1943, in Tacoma, Washington to Donald E. and Dora D. Schulz.
Carolyn’s early years were spent in Tacoma where she was a graduate of Wilson High School. Upon graduation, she attended Washington State University where she was a member of Tri Delta sorority and studied Interior Design.
She was married to Richard D. Hicks in 1964 and moved to Seattle where her daughter Allison was born and where she later began her career in banking with Pacific National Bank in 1966. In 1977, she married J. Michael Chapman, and they welcomed a son, Scott, in 1978.
Carolyn’s banking career continued for several decades and through many mergers and name changes, including First Interstate Bank and finally Wells Fargo. She retired in 1989 as an Assistant Vice President.
Her interests outside of her career filled her time including sewing, needlecrafts, gardening, entertaining, travel and philanthropic work including her involvement with P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) Chapter BL. She was well known as a talented seamstress who created her own fashions and wore them beautifully. Carolyn was quick to offer help to anyone who needed alterations or to create a special dress. She was generous with her time and provided many hand-crafted gifts to friends and family.
Carolyn loved her home garden and turned her yard into a beautiful oasis filled with spectacular plants. She especially loved roses and tended several beautiful varieties. A favorite rose was Ingrid Bergman, a stunning red rose that matched the red birdhouse and Adirondack chairs that she loved sitting in to enjoy her garden. She and her friends often spent hours in this beautiful space enjoying the shade and the birds who came to visit. Carolyn’s love of animals extended to her two standard poodles, Sunny and Neeko, who enjoyed long walks with Carolyn and Michael down to Magnuson Park as well as relaxing in the shade of her garden.
Carolyn and Michael traveled extensively and loved the experience of learning about new foods and cultures. Yellow Point Resort on Vancouver Island, Canada was a favorite destination for over two decades, filled with good friends, sunsets and many afternoons on the “Rocks”. Carolyn was known as an accomplished hostess, inviting friends and work colleagues to enjoy lively events, especially during the Holidays.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Michael Chapman, daughter Allison (Craig) McDonald, son Scott (Erin) Chapman and four grandchildren, Adele McDonald, John McDonald, Liam Chapman and Aidan Chapman and a sister, Barbara J. Doll.
A Celebration of Life will be hosted on July 26, 2025, 2 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Shoreline, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312.
- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -
Trinity Presbyterian Church
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312.
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