Ann Hilda (Hulkonen) Chapman, 102, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026 at the Nelson County Health System Care Center, McVille, ND.

Ann, the daughter of Andrew and Hilda (Heikkinen) Hulkonen, was born at home on her family farm near Brandon, MN on July 5, 1923. She lived there until she married Arvie Laity in 1948 and moved to Rubin Township north of Mapes, ND. She farmed alongside Arvie until he passed away in 1976. They welcomed their only child, Joanne (Laity) Stein, in 1951. Ann eventually moved to Devils Lake, ND and married Tom Chapman who passed away in 2002. Ann lived at Prairie Rose senior living in Lakota, ND for many years before entering the Nelson County Care Center in 2019.

With grateful hearts for a life faithfully lived, we celebrate the passing of our beloved mom and grandma, Ann, who went home to be with the Lord at the remarkable age of 102.

Ann was the very definition of sweetness and kindness. She had a gentle spirit that made everyone feel welcome, special and loved.

She was a gifted storyteller, and had a way of bringing memories to life. Even at 102, her mind remained sharp, spunky and her insights thoughtful. Ann embraced her Finnish heritage and never lost her Finnish brogue. She faithfully lifted up her children and grandchildren in prayer, as her faith, prayer life and love of God was important to her all her life.

While we will miss her dearly, we rejoice in the gift of her long, beautiful life and the assurance that she is now at peace.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Joanne (Don) Stein; grandsons, Keith (Lori) and Kevin (Stacie); great grandchildren, Caitlyn (Brennan), Seth (Kelly), Sage, Nadia and Ellen; great-great grandchildren, Arlo and Maeve; and special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Hilda; husbands, Arvie and Tom; siblings, John, Lillian, Vieno, Toivo, Eva, Martha, and Elsie; niece, Debbie; and nephews, Dennis and Charlie.

The family would like to thank the staff of Nelson County Health System of McVille for their care while Ann was a resident there.

Private family service to be held at a later date.

Burial will take place at Enterprise Finnish Cemetery, Pelto, ND.

Memorials may be directed to Enterprise Finnish Cemetery, C/O Candy Hess, PO Box 24, Lakota, ND 58344. Condolences may be sent to Aaker Funeral Home, C/O Ann Chapman, PO Box 455, Lakota, ND 58344.