Marlene Marie Chapman (71), of Fernandina Beach, passed away peacefully at Community Hospice Jane and Bill Warner Center for Caring on February 17, 2024, following a courageous battle against cancer. Marlene was born in Somerville, Massachusetts in 1953, to loving parents Gertrude and Frank Festa who saw that Marlene attended catholic schools where she participated in theatre and was on the National Honor League. Upon graduating, Marlene spent her career as a small florist shop owner and later, as an accountant for the Boca Raton School Board.
Upon moving to Fernandina Beach in 2011, Marlene quickly became actively involved in civic service by serving on the City of Fernandina Beach Code Enforcement and Appeals Board, the Fernandina Beach Main Street Promotions Council, and spent countless volunteer hours at the Nassau County Council on Aging where she delivered meals on wheels for people and pets.
Marlene was a formidable force with a heart of gold. She believed in serving her family and community above herself. As a daughter, mother, wife, and friend, Marlene was fiercely devoted, protective, and loyal, nothing came before, between, or against them without swift repercussion. Her fierce love will forever be embedded in their hearts.
Marlene was also active in the home where she enthusiastically tackled renovation projects with an intensity that rivaled any home improvement show. She took great pleasure and pride in hosting lavish parties and intimate gatherings because they brought her loved ones together for fun and fellowship, her “Girls Nights” were infamous.
Marlene leaves behind her loving husband Philip A. Chapman, III (former city of Fernandina Beach commissioner), devoted daughter Taylor Hartmann and lifelong friend Deborah Coscia (Michael).
Services will be held Wednesday, 1:00 p.m., February 21 at Funerals by T.S. Warden, followed by a celebration of life at the Chapman home located at 2120 Florida Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Marlene’s memory to America’s Youth, Inc., the Nassau Humane Society, or the Nassau County Council on Aging.
May she rest in peace with angels. ✝