Obituary

Joanne (Joey) Linda Chapman was born on November 10, 1954, in Wiesbaden, Germany, to Donald and Barbara (Grainger) Chapman. When she was ten her mother died from an undiagnosed kidney disease. She and her three sisters were lovingly raised in Burlington, Massachusetts, by her stepmother Evelyn Chapman. She enjoyed a childhood vacationing on Cape Cod and summers full of fun on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

After graduating from Burlington High School in 1972 Joey went to the University of New Hampshire where she met her husband, George Doyle. They were married in Burlington on September 7, 1974. After earning their degrees a shared sense of adventure led them to head west. In Joey's words, "I needed to know what was around the next corner in the road."

Their journey ultimately brought them to Petersburg, Alaska, where George worked for the U.S. Forest Service and Joey taught at the Rae C. Stedman Elementary School, eventually becoming their reading specialist. When their son Brian and a friend rebuilt an old skiff they started renting it out which turned into a new business, Doyle's Boat Rental. After retiring from the U.S.F.S. and the school they bought Petersburg Properties. Joey managed the offices, but her most satisfying job was raising their two sons, Bob and Brian.

After years of managing the same disease that took her mother, it was clear that Joey would need a kidney transplant soon. In 2012 she moved semi-seasonally to Napa, California, for dialysis and to await a positive match. Many Petersburg neighbors stepped up for the rigorous testing required to donate a kidney. Ultimately, Beth Richards was the best match and in March 2014 Beth's kidney saved Joey's life, transforming two small-town strangers into forever sisters.

In 2022, weary of traveling back and forth between Petersburg and Napa, they sold the businesses and Napa became their permanent home. Joey treasured being close to her grandkids and spending time with her very supportive circle of quilting friends. When faced with a cancer diagnosis, she approached it the same way she'd lived her life, with her strong faith, bravery, and optimism.

Joey passed away in Napa on May 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. She will be remembered as a loving wife, a dedicated mother, an educator, an avid quilter, a wonderful grandmother and a good friend.

Joey was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Chapman.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, George Doyle; parents Donald and Evelyn Chapman; sisters Sue (Bob) Deluca, Beth (Tom) Horner, and Anne (Kenn) Fox; sons Bob and Brian (Anne); and her grandchildren, Jacob, Abby, Harper, Braylon, Emily, and Teagan.

A memorial service was held on June 19, 2026, in Napa, California.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Oncology Department at Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California, and consider becoming an organ donor – it truly is the gift of life.