Chapman, Ann "Annie" Louise

Ann "Annie" Louise Chapman

Ann "Annie" Louise Chapman of Mineral Point Wisconsin passed away peacefully at her home in Mineral Point on November 18th, 2023, at the age of 82.  Annie's daughter, Melissa Louise Titcher, and son-in-law, David Paul Titcher, were by her side.

Annie was born in Sydney Australia on March 20th, 1941, to Dorothy Alice (Hoskins) Stewart and Richard (Ritchie) Albert Stewart of Strathfield, New South Wales. Annie attended Meriden Ladies College, graduating in 1958. She was a competitive swimmer who loved poetry, English, and history. 

Married in 1962 to her first husband, Robert Palmer, the two of them went on to establish a law practice together. She was a strong advocate on behalf of women and women's rights in 1960's Australia. Annie had a lifelong devotion to politics and free-spirited debate. She was an active member of the Australian Liberal Party and, during the late 60's, ran for local office as the first female candidate on the ballot. She also developed a love for horses and owned competitive trotters in those early years. Her passion for horse racing continued throughout her life.

Annie married her second husband and great love, John Robison "Rob" Chapman, in 1977. In 1979, the family moved to Santa Barbara. Annie had been a longtime friend of the Crown Prince Papalii Laupepa, a Western Samoan chief and politician, whom she had met in Australia at the age of 12 when they were schoolmates. He was one of Annie's most cherished friends, and their relationship spanned over 30 years. As a tribute to, and in honor of the love she had for Samoa, Annie and Rob co-wrote and produced the TV mini-series Emma, Queen of the South Seas.

Not surprisingly, Annie got involved with US politics. In 1980 she worked for the Ronald Reagan presidential election campaign, cold-calling registered Californian democrats and convincing them to vote for Reagan. She was quite successful! (Later in life, she volunteered for the George W. Bush campaigns in 2008 and 2012 and was active in the Wisconsin Republican Party, supporting State and Federal candidates.)

In 1982, the family moved back to Australia, and ten years later returned to the United States where Annie and Rob resided for the remainder of their lives. They were married for 30 years and moved to Mineral Point from Los Angeles in 2007 to join Annie's daughter and son-in-law. Rob died one year later, and Annie stayed on, becoming a beloved figure in the community. She affected many lives, and people were drawn to her humor and vibrant personality. She was a fierce advocate for Mineral Point and dedicated much of her time and efforts to supporting local businesses. She loved to meet people and so she worked in several local galleries and shops. Visitors to Mineral Point always remembered her and would often return to see the warm-hearted and funny lady with an Australian accent. 

She joined Trinity Episcopal Church and found tremendous solace and peace there, building enduring relationships with her church family, sitting on the guild for many years, and being actively involved in annual church charity events. 

Annie's legacy was her unique way of connecting with people - from any age, or walk of life; hugs at the ready, lending an ear to anyone who needed it. Through her friendship and kindness, she fostered relationships, especially with young women. She took pride in their accomplishments and watched as they grew into exceptional women. She championed creativity and freedom of thought, and her love for life was infectious to all who knew her. Fond of a celebration, her frequent parties were renowned. The first one on, (and often, the last to leave the dance floor), her hospitality was always generous. Her three "must haves" were good food, good wine, and great company.

Her devotion to family (both blood and adopted), was at the core of Annie's being. The relationship she had with her daughter Melissa was a 51-year-long love affair where the feeling was mutual. The two of them were inseparable, with an unbreakable bond. It was a love that will live forever in Melissa's heart. 

Annie is survived by her daughter Melissa (David) Titcher, her son Scott (Fleur) Stewart Chapman and four grandchildren, Henry, Tatiana, Tom, and Saskia Chapman. 

Her brothers Graeme (Margaret) Stewart, Richard Stewart, and myriad nieces and nephews. 

There will be a memorial service at Trinity Episcopal Church on High Street, Mineral Point on Thursday, November 30th at 4.30 pm. This will be followed by a reception and celebration of her life at Eliza's Lounge, 52 High Street, Mineral Point. 

Please join the family in remembering the life of Annie Louise Chapman, raise a glass and have a nosh in her honor. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to any of the Mineral Point Charitable Funds. 

Pointer Pantry

Mineral Point Opera House

Mineral Point Rescue Squad

Shake Rag Alley 

Mineral Point Excellence in education and community fund

Gorgen Funeral Home

310 Ridge St.

Mineral Point, WI

www.gorgenfh.com