Obituary of Suzanne Chapman

Suzanne Elizabeth Schroeder Chapman, known as "Suzy" to most and "Schroeder" to many, lost her battle with cancer on Friday, April 30th in her home in Hilton Head, SC. She was 76. 

Suzy was born in Lexington, Kentucky, eldest daughter of the late Paul Alan Schroeder and Esther Jane McNeely Schroeder. The family moved to Wayne, Illinois when Suzy and her sister Cindy were very young. Growing up in Wayne, she formed many lifelong friendships and has always maintained ties to Wayne and surrounding area. 

Suzy attended Ethel Walker School and then Stanford University, class of 1967. While at Stanford, she met her (ex)husband Philip Chapman. They were married in 1969, living in Houston, Texas and had one daughter Elise McNeely Chapman. Suzy spent most of her adult life living in Houston, but she also loved her years living in Tulsa, Dallas and San Francisco.

Once she retired, Suzy was able to spend her summers at the beloved “cottage” in McHenry IL. At age 70, Suzy decided she needed a change, so she packed up and moved from Houston to Hilton Head, a place she had visited for the first time only 3 months before. She flourished in Hilton Head, playing golf multiple times per week, participating in social groups and committees and entertaining neighbors and friends. 

Suzy spent the majority of her working life in the financial world as an investment portfolio manager where she created new tools using technology to gain insights. Suzy was always a doer; she was her own handyman and made the most of technology to manage her home and her adventures.

Throughout her life, Suzy shared a love of food, wine and culture with friends and family. She loved to throw dinner parties, attend art events and theatre, and engage in interesting conversations about culture or current events. Her generosity, love for entertaining and impeccable style made every occasion special.

Suzy is survived by her daughter Elise Chapman (Charlotte, NC), sister Cindy Schroeder (Galena, IL), niece Laura Maloney and her daughters Cecelia and Peyton Maloney (Chicago, IL), extended family and many, many beloved friends. 

Family and friends will celebrate Suzy and all of the wonderful memories this summer. Details to be provided in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to charities supporting open lands, animal rescue, the arts or her alma maters. A few of Suzy’s favorites were Trees for Houston, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Historic Beaufort Foundation and The Buck/Cardinal Club Fund at Stanford.