Maria Rosella Chappell

Maria Rosella Chappell, born May 13, 1923, was delivered to our Lord, July 14, 2018.

Rosella was a World War II veteran, enlisted in 1943 and served as a Staff Sergeant in our United States Marine Corp.

She raised a family with her husband, Jack Chappell, who retired as a Deputy Chief with the Albuquerque Police Department in 1974, and served in the US Navy during the Korean War. They were married for over 43 years until Jack’s death in January of 2002.

She is survived by her son and two daughters, Paul A Chappell (59) who resides in Dallas, TX, Yvonne M. Chappell-Yoroshko (58) of Gibbstown, NJ, and Janet E. Ulrich (53) and son-in-law, George Ulrich of Colorado Springs, CO. She also had a child with Jack named Frank, who died at birth. Additionally, she had four grandchildren, Michael Yoroshko of Newfield, NJ, and his wife, Ashley, Lauren Yoroshko of Washington, D.C., Cassy Greeson and her husband, Scott Greeson of Colorado Springs, CO, and Alex Ulrich and his wife, Bekah of Ruston, LA. She was also a step-mother to David Chappell of Milwaukee, and Larry Chappell of Friendship, WI. She is survived by her sister, Elvira Andres of Albuquerque, NM, and sister-in-law, Joy Mader of Rio Rancho, NM.

She was a 1941 Graduate of Albuquerque High, served our country as a proud member of the USMC, Honorably Discharged, and then worked as an Administrative Assistant for the New Mexico State Employment Agency until her marriage to Jack in 1955.

Rosella was of Spanish descent and came from several generations of New Mexicans. She was born to William and Barbarita McGuinness, and was raised in the “Old Town” neighborhood of Albuquerque along with two brothers, Roy and Gilbert McGuinness; and three sisters, Elvira, previously mentioned, Emma and Cecilia. Roy was a survivor of the Bataan Death March and inspired Rosella’s enlistment.

Rosella was known for always putting the needs of others ahead of her own and embraced kindness and understanding as her mantra. All who knew her were blessed by her gentle spirit and kind ways. She was a volunteer and leader in her children’s activities, and along with many other generous women of her generation, made beautiful quilts to warm countless others and raise money for many church endeavors. We were blessed that we had Rosella for over 95 years, and she was instrumental in making this world a better place. She will be missed.

A Rosary will be recited Thursday, July 26, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m., both at San Clemente Catholic Church, 244 Luna Ave. SE, Los Lunas, NM 87031. Friends may visit beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 2:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.