Martha Claire Chapman Laurila passed away on April 19th, as a result of a brain abscess at the age of 74. She grew up in Andover and graduated from Pymatuning Valley School. She graduated from Asbury University and had numerous additional degrees and certifications. She worked as a school teacher in Kentucky; Illinois; and Ashtabula, Ohio. She served over thirty-five years at Buckeye Local Schools as a health and physical education teacher, cheer leading coach, and special education teacher. She earned many awards and accolades from her teaching and service to the community. She was adventurous and wise so she was always traveling and learning, but God was her life. She was very active in DCI, Music and Art Education programs, 4-H, Ashtabula County Fair, East Ohio UMC conference, Layspeakers, and at Saybrook UMC. Almost everything that Martha put her hands to flourished which it included gardens, animals, or painting, however it is the lives of her students, family, and most especially her daughter, Jonamarie Claire Chapman Laurila that received the best of her. She is survived by her siblings Kenneth Chapman (Carolyn), Bruce Chapman (Lou Ann), and Joyce Smith; brother-in-law Terry Laurila (Michael Wheeler), and father-in-law Bill “Gabby” Laurila. She in now rejoined with her husband John Eric Laurila who preceded in 2016.
Funeral service will be Monday (April 24th) at 11:00 AM at the Saybrook United Methodist Church, 7900 S. Depot Rd. Saybrook with Rev. Jeff Stoll officiating. Burial will be in Dicksonburg Cemetery in Pennsylvania. 
Calling hours will be Sunday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Ashtabula Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 526 W. Prospect Rd. Ashtabula and on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Saybrook United Methodist Church Endowment Fund. Condolences, light a candle and obituary at www.fleming-billman.com

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