Revd Canon Lynn Chapman (52) died peacefully on Sunday night. Lynn was ordained in 2011 at Norwich Cathedral and served her ministry in Norwich Diocese. She was well known to many people and deeply loved because of her pastoral heart and caring nature. There will be many who will thank God for the time they spent with her.
After a career in teaching and a brief exploration of the religious life, she was accepted for ministerial training at ERMC and after ordination served as curate at St Peter Sheringham. She then moved to be Priest in Charge to Brooke, Kirstead, Mundham with Seething and Thwaite in 2014 also becoming Priest in Charge of the Hempnall group in 2023. The affection and respect she had from colleagues saw her appointed as Rural Dean of Depwade in 2021 and this year she was also made Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral.
She was also an Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands and saw many through the discernment process with prayerfulness and wisdom.
In 2024 she moved to become Rector of Hethersett with Canteloff with Little Melton and Great Melton. At her institution she already knew she had been diagnosed with cancer but she continued to serve throughout her illness and quickly became deeply loved by the congregations of the benefice.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher said;
“Lynn was one of the treasures of our life together in the diocese and beloved of many. Her dedication as a parish priest, a rural dean, an assistant diocesan director of ordinands, an honorary canon, a sister, aunt and friend were beyond measure. She inspired many, enriched the lives of those who knew her, bravely faced challenges, and prayerfully lived her faithful journey with the Lord. She died in the shadow of Easter, and it is to God’s Resurrection hope that we turn as we mourn her.”
The Archdeacon of Norfolk, Revd Steven Betts, who worked with Lynn for many years said;
“Lynn was a faithful, conscientious and hard-working priest who touched many lives during her ministry. Over the last 20 years or so that I have known Lynn she has been consistent in her love of God, her care of people and huge commitment to the communities which she has served. Lynn’s ministry will echo through the years in the lives of those she has influenced for good.”
We remember her family and friends in prayer and thank God for a remarkable and wonderful servant of the Church of God. Lynn’s funeral will take place at 2pm on Thursday 29th May at Wymondham Abbey.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
