Maureen McMurdo-Chapman, 69, operations manager

Maureen H. McMurdo-Chapman, 69, of Chalfont, Bucks County, died Thursday, July 10, at Abington Memorial Hospital of injuries she suffered in a car accident.

Born in Philadelphia, Mrs. McMurdo-Chapman was a resident of Sharon Hill, Delaware County, from 1974 to 1998. For four years ending in 1995, she served as a member of the Southeast Delco School Board.

She and her husband, Lawrence, who was injured in the car accident, moved to the New Britain-Chalfont area 16 years ago.

Mrs. McMurdo-Chapman graduated from West Catholic High School for Girls in 1963. She later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in political science, because politics was intriguing to her.

An ambitious person, she had worked as the head field auditor for the Philadelphia region of Cigna Insurance Co. for 25 years. While holding down a job, she attended St. Joseph's University, and earned a master's degree in business administration.

"She was very proud of her accomplishment," said her son Stephen P. "She was not only a great role model for me, but for everyone in the family."

At the time of her death, she was working as a senior operations manager for Acadia Mortgage L.L.C., based in Chalfont.

In private life, she doted on her family, especially her five grandchildren. She made time to work in her flower garden and was an avid reader.

Her son described Mrs. McMurdo-Chapman as "the glue that held the family together." Flexible and genial, "she was always willing to engage someone in conversation on any topic. She never got confrontational. It was wonderful to spend time with her," Stephen Chapman said.

In addition to her husband, son, and grandchildren, she is survived by two other sons, Michael L. and James W.; a brother; and a sister.

A visitation will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, followed by a noon funeral in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave., New Britain. Interment will be private.

Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43214.