Ellen Ruth Kruger Chapman passed away peacefully at her home in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 18th, surrounded by her family. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Ellen attended college at Tulane University and medical school at New York University. After completing residency at Columbia, she returned to New Orleans with her young family to settle permanently. Ellen fully embraced her adopted city and made many lifelong friends, including through her professional and equestrian circles. She loved to have a good time and particularly enjoyed carnival season, helping to organize the much-admired Ladies Godiva riding group.
There is not a person that knew Ellen who was not touched by her warmth. She will be remembered for her natural energy, unabashed humor, candor, and indomitable attitude. On a typical day, she could be found waltzing the hallways of Ochsner’s labor and delivery unit, scrub cape trailing behind her and Diet Coke in hand, or at home in her cut-offs working over a batch of homebrew. On weekends and holidays, she was happiest with her family in front of the bonfire at their farm in Poplarville, Mississippi (with the occasional midnight drive to Ochsner for a delivery).
As a talented and beloved physician, Ellen made an immeasurable impact on so many families in our community. As a wife and mother, Ellen was a loving supporter and an incomparable role model for her own family. She was selfless and completely devoted to her patients, friends, and family. Ellen will be missed by all, and especially by her husband David C. Chapman, her sister Shelley K. Weisberg (Jeff), her daughter Kelsey L. Haddow (Carson), her son Dr. Jonathan R. Zeitzer, and her grandchildren John C. and Theodore S.F. Haddow. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Ina F. Kruger and her beloved sister, Terri F. Kruger. A memorial service will be held at Temple Sinai, in New Orleans, at 11:00 on Wednesday, August 23rd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gladewaves.
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