Chapman, Judi, 1941-2000

Judith (Judi) Larson Chapman was born in Pierre, South Dakota on July 23, 1941. She graduated from St. Olaf College in 1963 and from The University of Montana with a degree in Social Work in 1974. Chapman served as an assistant to United States Representative Pat Williams of Montana’s 1st Congressional District from 1979-1991. As an assistant to Congressman Williams, Chapman dealt primarily with issues of women’s equality and Native American interests.

After her work with Representative Williams, Chapman was a lobbyist working largely with Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet Tribe (Montana) and the Havasupai Tribe (Arizona). She also conducted a number of lobbying workshops aimed at promoting Native American interests. In addition, Chapman held positions with the Administration of Native American Tribes, the Indian Head Start Program, and on the Monitoring and Evaluation team for Bureau of Indian Affairs schools.

Chapman was active with the Democratic Party, working on get-out-the-vote campaigns for the 1992 Presidential election and serving as a delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention. Chapman also served as a Missoula Democratic Central Committee Precinctwoman and was on a number of local boards related to environmental and Native American issues, including the Missoula City-County Health Board, the Missoula Air Pollution Control Board, the Missoula Water Quality Board, and the Indian Center.

Chapman passed away on July 19, 2000 in Missoula having battled brain cancer. She is survived by her daughters Tonia Anell Johnson Chapman Bossell and Varen Kay Johnson Chapman.

From the guide to the Judi Chapman papers, 1963-1999, (University of Montana-Missoula Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Archives and Special Collections)