Raymond Rochon Chappa

August 3, 1948  ~  January 25, 2021

"There is no one among you

that I do not love. Thank you.

There are no other words necessary."

Ray began his life in the Polish community of Hamtramck, Michigan, but it was the family move to Southfield, MI which set the compass of his faith life. The Franciscan friars of St. Michael Parish so inspired Ray that at the completion of primary school, he moved to the St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. These joy filled years culminated in his 1975 ordination as a Franciscan Catholic priest. He thrived wholeheartedly in parish ministries. One of his last assignments was serving the poor at Detroit's Catholic Worker House (a shelter for women and children) and the Manna Meal soup kitchen, where his specialty was navy bean soup for 400.

But a new vocation called--what Ray dubbed "the serendipity of my life" -- Deborah! Friendship lead to marriage in 1995. He gained the skills to become maintenance man at his childhood church--still surrounded by Franciscans! Ray and Deborah enjoyed 19 years in their woodsy, pet filled Southfield home. Simple pleasures were Ray's way of life. He enjoyed time with family and friends, reading mysteries, working on jazz piano, faithfully cheering the Detroit Lions, responding to the honey-do list, and a contemplative daily jog after work. At 58, he ran the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City!

Seeking a warmer sun, Ray and Deborah moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2015, later settling in Green Valley, AZ. He loved the natural beauty and peace of the Sonoran Desert. Ray shared many canyon and ridge hikes with Deborah but mostly loved walking gentle trails at dawn.  In his last years and months with increasing health challenges, Ray spent many hours in spiritual reading and meditation. Everything distilled down to recognizing God, who is Love, in all creation.

Preceded in death by parents Alphonso and Jean Chappa, and mother-in-law Libby Rochon, Raymond is survived by Deborah, his beloved wife of over 25 years, and siblings: Phyllis MacPhee, Christine Murphy, and Ed (Lynn) Chappa. He is endeared by in-laws (father) Larry Rochon, Tom (Amber) Rochon, Lorraine Rochon, Lynn Rochon, Tim (Shawn) Rochon and several nephews and nieces.

Memorial donations may be made to: The Animal League of Green Valley , or the food bank of your choice.  Obituary & Guestbook at Green Valley Mortuary . Photo album: RAYMOND'S LIFE