Marlene Irene Chapman

Olean- Marlene (Molly) Irene Chapman 

Marlene (Molly) Irene Chapman, 93, Olean, NY July 15, 2024. Born in Ceres, NY to parents Roy and Edrie (Torrey) Loucks.

Molly was loved and considered an icon of the community. Beginning in the 1960’s when she co-owned the Dairy Bar in Ceres, people came from miles around for her delicious pies and charming conversation. In the 1970’s, she became involved in the League of Women Voters, eventually becoming President of the Cattaraugus County Chapter. Her enthusiasm for an honest and fair political environment in the U.S. became one of her life-long passions, resulting in volunteerism in state and county political parties. She became so well-known by state and local representatives, one state senator always stopped by her house every Christmas to fill his pockets with gingerbread men.

Molly’s proclivity for volunteerism did not stop with politics, however. Some of the many social groups she enjoyed were Sweet Adelines, Order of Amaranth, White Shrine, The Daughters of the American Revolution, Oswayo Valley Historical Society, Cattaraugus County Republican Party (Secretary), Town of Olean Planning Board (Committeeman), the Weston Mills Fire Department Volunteers, and manning the Information Desk on Interstate 86 for the Department of New York State Tourism. Molly’s extensive involvement earned her the Cattaraugus County Woman of the Year Award in 2008 and the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award which was presented to her by NY State Governor Kathy Hochul in Albany in April. 

Besides belonging to and engaging in a myriad of social groups, Molly was a devout Christian who thrived within her church community. From singing in the church choir to playing the organ for services until just a short time before her death, Molly was a constant role model of faith and an inspiration to others.

Molly’s love of others was shown in many ways. She baked hundreds of cookies to give away during the year and was known to open her home to strangers in need. She exemplified the meaning of kindness and love to others.

Molly was preceded in death by her sister Betty LaBlanc and Elaine Harris. She is survived by her sister Valerie Konert, her brother David (Cathy) Loucks, her children Anita Jane Nickola, Marilee Joy McClure (George), and Wendy Anne Chapman, as well as 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Molly will be missed by all.

Friends will be received at the Bolivar United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 27th from 11:00 to 12:00pm at which time a Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place. Pastor Dawn Queensberry will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Ceres, PA. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the American Cancer Society and the Bolivar United Methodist Church.