Colleen Copeland

Colleen Copeland was beloved by all who knew her. A woman of fine character, she was loyal and had an abounding love for those around her. Colleen was a well mannered and gracious lady. Quite disciplined in everything she did, she lived her life with purpose and had a proper place for everything. From the hair on her head to the beautiful clothes she wore, she carried herself with a style all her own. Filled with faith and extremely talented, Colleen used her gifts in service to others. Gone but never to be forgotten, her heart lives on in the lives of those she touched.

The year 1928 was an exciting time in our nation’s history. The Roaring Twenties redefined the culture of America, and the discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine. Although the U.S. was unknowingly on the brink of the Great Depression, Donna Colleen was a blessing in the lives of her parents, Clair and Grace (Prindle) Copeland. Born on December 6, 1928, she was the first child to grace the hearts of her parents who made their home in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Raised in Kalamazoo, Colleen was the oldest of eventually five children. She was later joined by her younger siblings, Richard, Janet, Robert, and Marcia. She grew up at a time when the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic hardship for all, but in spite of these struggles, Colleen enjoyed a typical childhood for the times. . She attended the local schools, and from a young age her talents shown bright as she developed quite a knack for playing the piano and singing.

During Colleen's teenage years, World War II raged oversees. Although the war came to a thankful end by the time she graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1946, Colleen was pondering the direction her life would lead. She went on to attend Aquinas College for a time, but her education there came to an end when Colleen felt the call to become a Dominican Nun. However, years later she returned to Aquinas where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in music in 1966.

As a Dominican nun, Colleen made good use of her musical talents. For 13 years she taught music, and learned how to play the organ. She served her faith in different areas of Michigan including Tawas and Traverse City, and in Taos City, New Mexico. As Sr Mary Catherine Dericci, Colleen was very disciplined and used her kind nature and musical abilities in service to others. After 16 years, Colleen left her religious life behind. She remained devoted to her Catholic faith, and always considered herself a nun just the same.

From 1975 to 1990, Colleen worked at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo as a medical transcriptionist. For many years she was the organist and played the keyboard at many churches throughout the Kalamazoo Diocese, and sang at many weddings and funerals. Colleen served as the choir director at many churches, including St. Joseph Church, St. Ambrose Church, St. Mary's Church, and St. Monica Church. She also gave private piano lessons, and her love of children was evident in this capacity. She considered the Sound of Music and Cinderella to be her favorite movies by far, and loved the music of both.

With an unending heart for children, Colleen was an adoring aunt in the lives of her many nieces and nephews. They especially loved her often times silly, corny ways, and laughed at all her jokes. She always said her husband, "died at birth" . . . but never having been married or with any children of her own, family was important to her. She truly loved her feline companions, Sugar and Honey, who both preceded her in death. Colleen's witty nature and her way with jokes brought much laughter and smiles to those enjoying her company throughout the years.

Colleen was involved with the many churches she served and traveled some, too. She enjoyed a memorable trip to Hawaii, and liked going to the symphony and to productions at the Civic. She also always sang and performed at the caberet at Hackett Catholic Central High School each year.

When it came to shopping, Colleen wasn't a browser and liked to be waited on. Quite fashionable, she spent her money on nice clothes and fine jewelry, and never missed her weekly hair appointment. Always a lady, Colleen was very particular about her appearance which was always impeccable.

As the years began to catch up to Colleen, she wasn't as active as in earlier times. A fall ten years ago was the beginning of a slow decline for her, especially over the last few years. But always loved and with a song in her heart, Colleen loved seeing her family and enjoyed special times with them. She was a kind, giving woman, and her example and light hearted ways will always be remembered by many who came to know and love her.

At the age of 85, Donna "Colleen" Copeland, of Kalamazoo, died on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Members of her family include four siblings: Richard (Barbara) Copeland, Janet (Russell) Cavanaugh, Robert (Mary) Copeland and Marcia (William) Jowers; and many nieces and nephews. Learn more about Colleen, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Monday from 5-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 375-2900 where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 11:00 AM (visitation beginning at 10:00 AM) at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Burial at Portage South Cemetery. Please visit Colleen’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.