We are sad to announce that on July 7, 2025, at the age of 73, Monica Hodge Chapman of Nipomo, CA passed away. Born in Savannah, Georgia on September 25, 1951 to Rodger Hodge and Edna Weathers, Monica was known early on for her sense of humor. She later moved to California with her mom and older sister Marsha. Monica always recalled stories of the girls hiding in the back seat and popping up to surprise trucks passing by on their trek across the U.S. They would later settle in Lompoc after her mom married Ralph Moran. Monica was blessed with three step-sisters through that marriage: Pam, Sharon, and Robin.

Growing up, she enjoyed playing music. She was an avid piano player, and delighted her own children with her accordion skills. She was a Lompoc flower festival princess in 1969, and participated in cheerleading. She married David Chapman in 1970, and they had two children, Christopher David Chapman of Nipomo and Jennifer Lindzy Van Blair of Lodi. She worked at Kmart as a bookkeeper for many years, but would later work for the Lucia Mar Unified School District in the math department, activities department, business office, and attendance office. Chances are she was the voice of the recorded message calling to inform you that your child was absent for one or more periods that day at AGHS. After she retired as an accounts payable clerk, she met for monthly lunch with friends, both from her high school years, and the ladies of LMUSD. If she wasn't at home playing Candy Crush, Mahjong, Solitaire, or working on a puzzle, you could find her testing her luck at BINGO and KENO at the Chumash Casino. She could play on the same $20 for hours on end.

She is preceded in death by her parents, step-father, and step sister Sharon. She is survived by her sister, Marsha Byrd (Richard) of Florence, Oregon; half-sister, Doris Beasley; step-sisters Pam Muzyka (Victor), and Robin Moran (Johnny); son, Christopher Chapman, and daughter, Jennifer Van Blair (Wes); grandchildren Christian, Samuel, Luke, and Cora Chapman, David and Hannah Van Blair; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life for close friends and family where there will be plenty of bingo, bloody mary's and belly laughs to celebrate the joy that Monica brought to those around her.