Obituary of Florence Kennedy Walters Chapman

Florence Kennedy Walters Chapman, retired Registered Nurse, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at Bayside Health and Rehabilitation Center in Pensacola. Florence was predeceased by her parents John Braxton Walters and Mary Florence Summersell Walters, her husband Don Garriga Chapman, her son John Walters Chapman, her sisters Margery Jeanne Walters Gindl and Frances Ann Walters Brewton. She is survived by brothers-in-law Francis Gindl and Billy Brewton, as well as 6 nieces, 14 great nieces and nephews, 16 great-great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. “Flossie,” as she was known to all, was born on April 13, 1939, in Mobile Alabama. She and her family moved to Pensacola, Florida, where she attended Sacred Heart School, graduated from Catholic High School in 1957, and graduated from Sacred Heart Nursing School in 1960. Flossie was married to Don Chapman in 1964, and again in 1980. Don passed away in 1994. Their only son, John , passed away in 2001. Her nursing career led her on many paths. She worked at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. She was employed many years as an office nurse for Dr. Eric Geiger of Pensacola, as well as having jobs in Atlanta, Georgia and Niceville, Florida. Her most recent full-time nursing job, and her most fulfilling, was in the Emergency Department at Bay Medical Center in Panama City, Florida from the mid 1980's through 2001. Here her numerous friends remember her as well-loved with an amazing ability to “destress” many a situation with her wit. When Flossie retired in 2001, she moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to help great-niece Katie Delaney care for her small children. Eventually moving back to Pensacola, Flossie would go on to work temporary jobs at the Haven of Peace and Joyce Goldenberg Hospice Residence, where her humor and compassionate care found new outlets. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish, and also served on the Catholic High School Alumni Committee. (A few weeks before her passing, she was able to attend her 60th CHS reunion party.) She maintained numerous friendships with a semimonthly lunch bunch group and also participated in the many social functions of the Lavallet Townhouse Association. An avid reader (on her Kindle) and social media afficionado , Flossie embraced the digital age, and was always eager to learn something new. During her career years, Flossie travelled the world with friends and family, an activity that was carried through her retirement. She cruised to Alaska at least 5 times, flew to the British Isles and Ireland twice, and criss-crossed the country attending weddings, graduations, reunions, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, and of course Mardi Gras in New Orleans. No family gathering, or party was ever complete without Flossie and her antics to bring laughter to the event. Anyone who needed help received it with no reservations. Her gift to all who knew her was an unending spirit of generosity, as well as a joy for living that was not diminished during her most recent illness. Flossie’s Faith gave her comfort and courage, and she planned her end-of-life arrangements with the following instruction attached: “DO NOT CRY for me. I am ready. Have a party instead!!!” She requested a private interment. A Memorial Mass and a Celebration Party of her life will be announced at a later date by the family, to be held sometime this summer. MEMORIAL DONATIONS IN HER NAME can be made to Pensacola Catholic High School , Development Office, 3043 W. Scott Street, Pensacola, Florida 32505, or to The Salvation Army 1501 N. Q Street, Pensacola, Florida 32505 Thanks to Covenant Care Hospice and the staff at Bayside Medical for their care and support. The family would like to thank the dozens of friends (you know who you are) who devoted travel, time, and energy (and food) in helping to care for Flossie during the last 7 months. We could not have done it without you, and Flossie’s life was so much the richer because of your loving kindness.