Carolyn Jean Chapman January 30, 1944 - April 10, 2023

January 30, 1944 – April 10, 2023 (79 years)

Wife of James “Jim” Chapman

Mother of Dana (Steve) McGarry – Turlock CA [Children: Patrick and Katharine “Kate” McGarry]

Stepmother to Janelle (Charles) DeGreek – Turlock CA {Children: Jacob (Amanda) Chapman and Judson Chapman – Grandchild Mason]

Survived by brother, Leo Hudson (Sue), dear friend, Lawrence “Larry” Kaler and Larry’s daughter, Tanna. Also survived by numerous close family members and friends.

Carolyn’s journey in this world began in January, 1944, where she was born the 3rd child to Leo Harrison and Jessie Alma Hudson in Bakersfield, CA, where they had recently relocated from Oklahoma.

She experienced a poor and difficult childhood, which affected her and committed her to a life of service to others. Of all the jobs she held – bookkeeper, office manager, credit manager – she did them all in service to others. Outside of work, Carolyn could be found lending a hand, offering family a place to stay when none existed. Caring for the sick and infirm within the family. Keeping the peace.

Carolyn was married to Richard P. Christensen in the early 1960s and they shared a daughter, Dana Lynn. She later married Larry Kaler and relocated from Bakersfield to San Jose. Her marriage to Larry brought many adventures and moments of drama. They parted ways after 20+ years and remained friends until the end. Carolyn continued to be Larry’s primary caregiver until she no longer could.

Near the end of the millennium, Carolyn met and married Jim Chapman after a brief courtship. They shared nearly 30 years of their lives together, growing their love through shared joys – dogs and cats of all sizes and types and their deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ.

When Carolyn was not caring for the people in her life, she was rescuing and caring for abandoned and lost dogs and cats.

Carolyn, along with her husband Jim, was an active member of Turlock Covenant Church and its many outreach and community programs, until the 2020 pandemic. She planned to return to active attendance, but her need to care for others took precedence.

Services for Carolyn will be private with a celebration of life to be held later in the year.

In lieu of flowers, Carolyn wished for people to donate to her favorite local organizations: Hope Church, We Care Program, Friends of the Turlock Shelter.