The family of Patricia Ann Chapman, 86, of Portland, Oregon, is deeply saddened to announce her peaceful passing on May 9, 2026, on the eve of Mother’s Day. Born in San Francisco and raised in Burlingame, CA she was wife, mother and sister to her Carmody siblings. She was a compassionate registered nurse who spent 30 years caring for others. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy as the beloved wife of Ralph Lewis “Buck” Chapman and a loving and supportive mother of five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Her Life and Legacy

Patricia was born in the heart of San Francisco, a city that always held a special place in her heart. Pat was a prolific tennis player, road biker and skier who was determined to stay on the ladies ski bus until her pass was free, so was still skiing at the age of 80 A graduate of Mary’s Help Nursing College in San Francisco, she was also lifelong friends with many of her Mercy High School Burlingame classmates. Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, she offered love, grace, and support to her family and the countless friends she and Buck encountered throughout their 64 years of marriage. Her life was defined by service—to her family, friends and community.

Alongside her husband Buck, she built a life centered on faith, love, and family. Following her calling to heal and comfort others, she pursued a career in nursing working in the ER and Neurosurgery. For 30 years, she was a dedicated caregiver, bringing steady hands and a comforting presence to her patients. Her colleagues at Kaiser Sunnyside remember her as a skilled and empathetic nurse, and her family always joked that she was the "on-call" medical provider for her five children and all their childhood scrapes.

She and Buck enjoyed a wonderful life together living abroad during Buck’s time as a Captain in the U.S. Army. They brought back two souvenirs from their time — Tim from Heidelberg and Colleen from Athens. Son Chris came along following a short stint at the Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Julie was born in San Francisco while Mom waited out one of Dad’s overseas assignments. When he transitioned to working for State Farm Insurance, they moved to Yakima WA where Andy came along. They spent the remaining 48 years of their marriage in the Portland area.

Pat was an avid traveler and enjoyed organizing trips for friends and family. If you mentioned you wanted to go somewhere, a sample itinerary and suggested dates were quick to follow. Be that a safari in Africa, a ski vacation in Austria (or any ski resort!) or summer vacations at Lake Tahoe. She especially loved visiting Ireland. Another standout moment was her mountaineering phase. She and Buck summitted Mt. Adam’s and she enjoyed her time with the “Mountain Mamas” hiking all over the Pacific NW.

Once retired, she spent more time traveling, playing sports and visiting her children and grandchildren – which usually involved cool trips and adventures with Papa Buck and Nana Pat. She volunteered at The Father’s Heart (a homeless services organization) and together with Buck, delivered Meal on Wheels to support their Oregon City community for 10 years.

Above all, Pat was a fiercely devoted mother. Raising five children was her greatest joy and her most important life's work. Passing away peacefully on the eve of Mother’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the endless love, sacrifice, and nurturing spirit she gave to her family every single day. She instilled in them a deep appreciation for their faith, a strong work ethic, and the importance of family. She will be remembered for her warm home, her rowdy laughter on game days and the unwavering strength she provided during life's challenges.

Pat is survived by her husband Buck Chapman, her sister Erin Carmody, her children Tim (Marianne) Chapman, Colleen Chapman, Chris (Jill) Chapman, Julie (Dave) Karle, Andrew Chapman, grandchildren Caitlin (Hunter) Chapman-Yancey, Conor Chapman, Avery Karle, Haden Karle, Ian Chapman and great-grandchildren Greer Yancey and Parks Yancey. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert Carmody and Michael Carmody.

Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Miramont Pointe Senior Living for their compassionate care and support in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to Meals on Wheels, reflecting her lifelong commitment to nursing, her faith, and her generous spirit.