Constance Chappelear

Connstance (Frey) Chappelear passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, at her home following a brief, but courageous, battle with cancer. She was 66 years old.

Constance was born in Berlin, Germany to the late Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Walter E. Frey and the late Jean P. Frey. She graduated from Governor Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, MD and later relocated to her lifelong home of Columbus, OH.

It is in Columbus where she met the love of her life, the late Walter Chappelear, while working for the ARC. Constance later built a career with the YMCA, where she held many positions, including Office Manager and Trainer. She had a passion for helping others, which was evident by the relationships she built with those in her community.

Constance was committed to fitness and well-being. She loved being active and competed in triathlons, marathons, half-marathons, and fun races to support local causes; but she was most proud of competing in Iron Man Maryland and Iron Man Ohio (twice). She was an equally passionate mentor to those who wanted to train for races.

Nothing was more important to Constance than her family. She was so proud of her children, Meredith Kephart (former spouse Christopher Kephart), Mallory (partner Tim Stenner), Mitchell Deitrick (partner Sarah Warfel), and Cread Chappelear; and grandchildren, Cread Cameron Chappelear, and Maisy and Julian Kephart.

Constance is also survived by her many brothers and sisters, Patricia A. Borja of Derwood, MD; Chief Master Sgt. Christopher W. Frey, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) and wife, Sandra of San Antonio, TX; Catherine Calloway and husband, Jay, of Palm Harbor, FL; Lt. Col. Neil J. Frey, U.S. Army (Ret.) and wife, Holly, of Winchester, KS; Margarete de Soleil and husband, Si Osborne, of Evanston, IL; Paul Frey and wife, Laurie, of Smithsburg, MD; and Major Gregory Frey, U.S. Army (Ret.) and wife, Linda, of San Antonio, TX. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Susan E. Sluger; brother, Matthew Frey, and brothers-in-law, Anthony C. Borja, Jr. and Jerry Sluger.

Constance was surrounded by an army of friends whom she considered to be family as well. Her family is so grateful for their care and support through her cancer journey.

Friends may call at the Maple Grove United Methodist Church, 7 West Henderson Avenue, Columbus, OH on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, where funeral services will be held immediately thereafter. A celebration of Constance's life will follow the service in the church hall; all are welcome.

Memorial donations may be directed to YMCA of Central Ohio (https://ymcacolumbus.org/give) or, for those in recovery, to Alcoholics Anonymous – Central Ohio Group Fellowship (https://aacentralohio.org/home/contributions-to-cogf/individual-member).

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Shaw-Davis Funeral Home (www.shaw-davis.com). Interment will be private.Constance (Frey) Chappelear

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.