Helen Marie (Brackin) Chapman

Helen Marie Chapman, 88, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Wilmington Hospital. Helen Marie was born in Hockessin, Delaware to Mary E. and C. Watson Brackin. She grew up in the Hockessin area and sang in productions in high school, and as a soloist at the United Methodist Church. She graduated from Conrad High School and excelled in business courses.

In her early career at Continental Life Insurance Company, Helen was recognized for her hard work and dedication to her job, and was promoted to Senior Secretary in the Administrative Offices. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce and found a much-loved position with the DuPont family as Secretary for the Fair Hill Races in Cecil County, Maryland. She was instrumental in producing many of their events for many years before retiring.

Helen had a warm, loving marriage to Paul W. Chapman for 54 years, who predeceased her in 2006. They were fortunate enough to celebrate their 40th and 50th anniversary together, and were not often seen apart from each other.

Helen loved flowers and gardening, and was always passionate about taking care of her family. She also enjoyed sewing, and made clothes and outfits for her children. She also loved crocheting, and made afghans and doilies for family members, teaching her daughter, Barb, to follow in her footsteps. Helen and Paul for many years also enjoyed creating wooden figures. Paul did the woodworking, and Helen did the painting.

She is survived by a sister, Emma DuRoss, of Delaware, and two brothers, Raymond Brackin, of Florida, and Charles Brackin, of Virginia. Another brother, Robert, of Delaware is deceased. She is survived by three daughters, Betty Riddle (John), Barbara Twaddell (Robin) and Susan Chapman, and grandchildren, Bonnie (Jeff), Beth (Greg), Betsy (Gary), Marie, Stacy, and the late Robin Twaddell, Jr. Her great grandchildren include Matthew, Timothy, Gavin, Alex, Gary 3rd, Misty Rose, Cadence, Susan, Devilyn, Viola, Aurora, Jaxson.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 11 at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington. At noon there will be a short service officiated by Pastor Roger Frederick from Christ the Cornerstone Church, followed by a private Interment at Hockessin Friends Meeting Cemetery. Due to Covid restrictions, and an abundance of caution, there will be no reception afterwards.

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