Obituary of Deborah “Debby” Hope Chapman

In Loving Memory Of Deborah Hope Chapman August 3rd 1953-December 27, 2018 Debby, a native of Weymouth Massachusetts, lived most of her formative years in Derwood, Maryland and graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1971. When meeting Debby, it was impossible not to be struck by her glowing smile and boundless enthusiasm for life.  Her positive energy and uplifting outlook were immediately apparent to anyone in her presence.  For those who knew her well, her seemingly endless drive and ability to achieve anything she set out to do, set her apart from others and will remain a lasting inspiration During her school years and beyond, she enjoyed roller skating and the accompanying social life at the local rink in Rockville. She developed some lifelong relationships there, including Barry Zander, her first husband and father of their daughter. She also had a passion for music from an early age and became an accomplished classical flautist. She later went on to join the George Mason University Symphony Orchestra, performing in various stage productions in the Northern Virginia area. She became a proud mother of her first and only child, Erin Christie Zander in December of 1975 and continued to reside and work in the Maryland area in the following years. Her sharp intellect served her well professionally. She excelled in her decades-long career in the accounting field, achieving excellence in the industry. Debby embraced adventure and was always ready to rise to a challenge. True to that spirit, she moved to Los Angeles California for a few years in the early 1980’s. Her bookkeeping skills sustained her during that period as well, including doing books for noteworthy entertainment industry names. Eventually, she moved back east and settled in Northern Virginia, where she secured a position with RG Griffith, Inc.  A valued employee, she became comptroller, a position she held through 2001. A woman of many talents, Debbie also had outstanding culinary skills and was famous for her incredibly detailed and prize-winning cake creations. They were awe-inspiring centerpieces for countless special occasions. Another of Debby’s passions was centered on all things related to the Renaissance era.  An avid Renaissance Fair enthusiast, she spent most weekends of the season at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. This was also the site where she married her second husband, Bill Andrews. Occasionally she would travel to fairs in other states as well. Over the years, she collected, tailored and crafted an impressive assortment of Renaissance clothing, jewelry, art and accessories.  She was especially happy when her daughter, and eventually her granddaughters would join her at the fairs, often in full costume themselves. This interest, coupled with her natural flair and formidable talent for interior decorating, resulted in Debby transforming anywhere she lived into an incredibly creative, Renaissance-inspired, unique and comforting home. Her amazing bathroom designs alone were notorious. She bought a house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Dale City, Virginia in 1986 where she raised Erin and resided until 2001. Given that Debby had a significant commute to work for many years, while working at RG Griffith Inc., she became a lunchtime fixture at Sully’s, a local family-owned restaurant in Chantilly Virginia. Sully’s became a home away from home for both Debby and her daughter, Erin. Years later, Debby threw a grandiose wedding reception there for Erin and her husband, Ned.  It was at that event where Debby met a world-renowned Welsh guitarist and recording artist named Paul Chapman. This proved to be life-changing for her, as she eventually moved to Florida and married Paul in 2001. Debby and Paul thrived within their tight-knit family life, welcoming and enjoying the addition of many grandchildren in the years that followed. Bringing things full circle, her daughter and son-in-law moved to Florida in 2002, along with Debby‘s first granddaughter, Olivia, with another one on the way. Debby embraced Paul’s music and career to the fullest. She loved to watch him play and share the full scope of experiences with him. From writing and recording sessions, to traveling on the road for shows, to help with the business side of things. She was also a wonderful hostess to many of Paul’s fellow musicians, family and friends. One of the trappings of Paul’s celebrated music career that Debby particularly enjoyed was going to concerts with Paul, where he would often make guest stage appearances, and meeting many of his famous musician friends, some of whom happened to be members of her favorite bands. Paul admired Debby’s musical talents as well and was always very proud whenever she performed. Over the years, Debby was often the star attraction at family gatherings and parties with her spectacular performances on flute. Paul and Debby recorded their own outstanding version of The Beatles’ song, “And I Love Her” featuring Debby on flute and Paul on guitar, much to the delight of their listeners. In addition to Debby’s thriving family life and accounting business, her most recent quest was one which came straight from her heart; combining her passion for Renaissance Fairs with her creative talents.  She started a company which she named Plumage. She approached this with her typical unbridled enthusiasm and proceeded to make an impressive inventory of handcrafted Renaissance-period items. This included elaborately decorated hats, brooches, pins and an assortment of other items. She custom-designed and decorated an elaborate exhibit tent and display area, to her usual high standards. The business was set to launch at the 2019 Brevard Renaissance Fair. She enlisted her daughter Erin and granddaughters Olivia & Layla to complete her team, which they were thrilled to be a part of. Debby lived life to the absolute fullest. Her memory, spirit and inspiration will live on in the hearts and minds of her family, friends and those who had the privilege of knowing her. Debby is survived by her husband; Paul Chapman, mother and step-father; Marge & Herb Williams, daughter and son-in-law Erin & Ned Meloni,  brothers and in-laws William & Jeanette Boyd, Harold Boyd & Steve Guevara, niece and nephew Sarah Boyd and Harold Boyd IV, grandchildren: Olivia Meloni and Layla Meloni, The Chapman Family daughter, sons and in-laws: Brittany Chapman, Sean & Susie Chapman, Thys Chapman, Melissa Holman, The Chapman Family Grandchildren: Tyler Chapman, Owen Chapman, Gavin Chapman, Ethan Gross, Taylor Chapman, Ryan Chapman, Nick Chapman, Mason Chapman, Austin Chapman, and first husband: Barry Zander.  She was predeceased by her sister Pamela Boyd in March 1977, her father Harold William Boyd in May 1994, her second husband, Bill Andrews in June 2000 and mother-in-law Jean Chapman in April 2011. A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends.