Lori A. Chapman

Lori Ann Chapman, born Lori Ann LaPuma, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, surrounded by her family. A devoted mother, grandmother, scientist, and woman of faith.

A lifelong learner, Lori graduated at the top of her class at Frankfort High School in 1979. She was a well-rounded student: the school's first female student council president, a member of the marching band and color guard, and a gifted pianist and singer who loved choir and played for church. Lori was a bookworm and as a child, given the choice between a toy and a book, she always chose the book.

Lori attended Utica College, then operated by Syracuse University, and was proud of her Syracuse alma mater. With a natural talent for science, she worked as a phlebotomist and in the library (for more excuses to read) while earning her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology in 1983.

Lori spent nearly 45 years as a Medical Technologist, a career that was her pride and joy. She began at St. Elizabeth's and retired this past spring as Laboratory Compliance Manager at Slocum Dickson Medical Group. Her coworkers were her second family, and she was their trusted advisor, a wealth of knowledge, and a free therapist when needed. She was known to many there as "Momma Lori”.

Above all, Lori loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A longtime member of Redeemer Church, she found joy serving the congregation, especially in the children's ministry, whether dressing up for Trunk or Treat or volunteering in the This Is Christmas program.

A single mother of four, Lori worked tirelessly to give her children her best. She showed love through gifts, and few who knew her didn't receive one. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren. Her favorite place in the world was Lake George, where she loved her yearly trips, the outlets, and listening to the water.

A December baby, she adored Christmas, started shopping early, and had a special fondness for gingerbread. Lori would even take a week off of work to every holiday season to spend each day making her favorite Christmas cookies. Like her father, she was a diehard Yankees fan and a big admirer of Aaron Judge.

Lori is survived by her mother, Marie Cattat LaPuma of Frankfort; her children and spouses David and Jena Ashley of Pittsford, Eric and Jennifer Ashley of Little Falls, and twin daughters, Desiree Madore of Utica and Dominique Madore and Fiancé John Hall of Averill Park; grandchildren Lia, Hayden, Luca, Henry, Cecilia, and Eliana; brothers and sisters-in-law Paul and Amy LaPuma of Clinton and Frank and Natalie LaPuma of Ilion; and sister Mary Catherine LaPuma of Frankfort. She was predeceased by her beloved father, Frank J. LaPuma Sr., in 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Redeemer Church at 931 Herkimer Road, Utica NY at 5:00pm on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Redeemer Church in Lori's memory.

Lori's family has entrusted her funeral arrangements to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Family Funeral Directors. 315-894-8000.