Muriel Chapman

Muriel F. Chapman (nee Fritzinger), age 98, of Media, PA, passed away on January 17, 2024.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1926, she was the daughter of the late Edward H. and Marie W. (nee Wintz) Fritzinger. Muriel was the beloved wife of the late William H. Chapman; loving mother of Suzanne C. Bolger (Dale) and William E. Chapman (Rosalyn); caring grandmother of Erin Bolger Welsh (Jim), Sarah Bolger McDonald (Jason), Brian Chapman, and Lauren Chapman Ziegler (James) and great-grandmother of Jackson and Eliza Welsh, and Ellie Ziegler; predeceased by her sister, Barbara Knight.

 Muriel earned her bachelor’s degree Fine Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in 1947. Upon graduation she was employed by the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers) preparing artwork for their publicity department.  She then worked as an elementary school art teacher for 23 years in Springfield, Delaware County.

Upon retirement, Merrie actively encouraged interest in the arts for younger students in the “Art-Goes-To-School” program for 17 years. Likewise, Merrie was a creative influence for young students learning about art in nature as a long-time volunteer at Tyler Arboretum’s education department for 16 years. Merrie was a watercolorist who found much joy, inspiration, and gratitude among the Tyler trees!

Merrie had a passion for the discipline of painting with watercolors and studied with many of the well-regarded local experts, ultimately becoming a juried practitioner and exhibitor of nature art in watercolor (Art League of Delaware Valley and Metropolitan Painters of Havertown).  Merrie’s past art exhibits at her retirement home at Lima Estates was a reflection of her beautiful talent!

Services and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Muriel’s name to: Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd., Media, PA 19063-4424.