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Jill Lee Chapman, 43, of Belen, NM, died on October 7, 2006, after a short illness. She is survived by her sisters, Laura Chapman of Union City, NJ and husband, Fernando Galaviz, and Beth Chapman of Newton, NJ and husband, Steven Sherwood; and two much cherished nephews, Steven Paul Sherwood and Charles Thomas Sherwood, also of Newton, NJ. Born in Patterson, NJ, Jill spent her childhood and adolescence in rural New Jersey and received her basic education in its schools. In 1984, when she was 21 years old, Jill suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury which left her a paraplegic for the rest of her life. But her physical limitations did not touch her spirit. Determining to pursue further education, she relentlessly pushed ahead, especially after moving to New Mexico in 1991. Beginning with successful, happy years at UNM's Valencia campus, she completed work for her baccalaureate degree in history at UNM in 2003. UNM-Valencia in particular had a special place in her heart, and she taught several classes in its programs. Her abiding interest was the development and application of computer skills within the liberal arts, particularly in philosophy and advanced social theory. Working from her wheelchair, she conceded nothing to her "disability" and was a popular and effective teacher. She was always eager to share what she knew and to inspire her students to reach beyond their grasp. After graduation from UNM, she attended Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA, to work in its highly regarded Science, Technology, and Society program and earned her M.S. there this past May. She dealt with special physical challenges, but, in fact, there was no hill too steep for her chair. In addition to her family, Jill is also survived by many former students, friends - especially Patricia and Nat Page -- and colleagues, who came to know and admire her indomitable spirit; her boundless goodwill; and her casual confidence that anything is possible to those of sufficient courage. Hers was a life which counted. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date on the UNM - Valencia campus to honor her memory and celebrate her short, but full life. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Jill may be made to Cindy Ankiewicz, Department of Development and Grants, Valenica Campus, 925-8552.
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