Obituary of Kathryn Ross Chapman

Age 79, passed away peacefully in Elmira surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 22, 2024.  Kathy was born in Elmira NY, a daughter of the late Floyd S. and Ann Crossed Ross.  She was predeceased by her loving husband of 42 years James L. Chapman in 2012.  Kathy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Sarah A. and Edward Wess of Jamison PA with their daughter Kathryn Ann Wess; daughter and son-in-law Mary C. and John Cox Jr. of Elmira with their children Morgan and Johnny Cox; brother and sister-in-law Michael J. and Ardys Ross of Big Flats; sister Janet L. Ross of Elmira; nephews, Michael, Mark (Denise) and Matthew (Danielle) Ross.   

Kathy was a life-long Elmira native and grew up in a large close-knit extended Italian family filled with love.  These early years of her life helped shape her incredible spirit and unbreakable commitment to all things family.  Kathy was a 1963 graduate of Notre Dame High School. After high school, Kathy worked at Iszard’s Department Store and the Star Gazette. One evening over sixty years ago, while on a ladder hanging Christmas lights at Iszard’s, a young Elmira Police Officer, named Jim Chapman helped Kathy to ensure she would not fall.   They had grown up as kids in the same neighborhood.  He was now a handsome Marine who had recently returned home from military service and little did she know, was working security at the department store to save for an engagement ring.  They married and shared forty-two years together.  Kathy relished being a mother and her time at home raising her daughters.   Kathy also loved everything about being a grandmother.   Kathy was known as "Nana" to her three grandchildren.  She was an incredibly important role model, and she knew each one of her grandchildren very well.    She was there in the hospital waiting room for the birth of each grandchild and throughout each stage of their lives, from their birthdays, ball games, and graduations, to their heartaches, challenges and triumphs. Nana was always there.  Kathy treasured time spent with family at the ocean, where she taught us to thank the ocean for making us feel tiny, humble, inspired and free...all at the same time.  This summer Kathy and her family were blessed with a glorious sun filled week together at the shore.  Kathy made her home a welcoming place for family and friends.  There was an open door, a glass of iced tea, an extra chair and her full attention just for you.  During the holidays her home was always bright and dazzling, with Christmas Eve celebrations that were a magical revolving door of family and friends.  While raising her family, Kathy continued to pursue her education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Empire State College.  She later worked for many years as a realtor with Ambrose Real Estate.  Kathy excelled as a realtor with her knowledge of the area, home construction and genuine desire to help others find the perfect home in the area that she loved.  Kathy was an exceptionally talented artist.  All who knew Kathy were in awe of how she captured the beauty and possibility in all things through her art.  Whether it be oil, watercolor, folk art, wood carving...painting an expansive ceiling fresco to create the feel of the open sky in her home... to finger painting crafts with her grandchildren, Kathy has inspired, and touched many and will for generations to come. 

Family and friends are invited to attend Kathy’s Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.  Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery. 

Those wishing may remember Kathy with a donation to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue, Elmira, New York, 14903.