Nina M. Coppens
Nina M. Coppens, 62, of Nashua, NH and Stowe, VT, died at home Thursday, April 18, 2013 after a long struggle with Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer.
Nina was born in Lafayette, IN on May 19, 1950, daughter of the late Aletha (Cooley) Reifel and the late Conrad Reifel. She graduated from Sheldon High School and furthered her education at Northern Illinois University where she earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing. Nina later studied at the University of New Hampshire where she earned a Doctorate in Psychology.
Growing up among the corn, soy beans, and animals on Green Top Farm, Nina loved to run barefoot in the creek, carry kittens in her pockets, and care for her horse Buttermilk.
Her freshman year in college, Nina went to a party with a friend, Connie, where she discovered she did not like beer, but did meet Connie's older brother, Paul, who was happy to take Nina's beer tokens off her hands, take her to see the movie The Graduate a few days later, and ultimately take her hand in marriage.
Nina and Paul both were employed at the University of Massachusetts Lowell where Nina began her career as a faculty member in the Nursing Department. As a professor, she later transferred to the Psychology Department, which she chaired for many years before being named dean of the College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. She was recognized as an outstanding teacher and champion of diversity with a strong interest in the Cambodian community and especially the Angkor Dance Troupe.
As a mother, Nina was a model of love, compassion, and hard work who inspired her daughters to follow in her footsteps and become educators.
Nina was filled with unassuming grace and intelligence. She believed in thank you cards, surprise "care packages," putting others first, and doing a job the right way even if it's the hard way. She loved local art, travel, playing cards (from bridge to euchre), tulips, butterflies, the Green Mountains of Vermont, going to the movies, painting with watercolor, her dogs (even though, as she often said, "Kittens are the cutest animals.") apple pie, her mom's homemade noodles, and especially her wide extended family.
Her dislikes were few but included white rice, mushrooms, and pretentious people.
During the last weeks of her life, more than anything, Nina loved cuddling with her new granddaughter, Aurea. Her wish to be a grandmother came true.
Nina gave a final gift to the world of medicine and education by donating her brain to Massachusetts General Hospital in hopes of furthering research toward a cure for brain cancer.
Nina is survived by her husband of 41 years, Paul Coppens; daughter Lindsay Coppens and her fiancé Richard Cummings of Worcester, MA; daughter Katie Coppens and her husband Andrew McCullough of Portland, ME; infant granddaughter Aurea McCullough; brother Keith Reifel; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is previously deceased by her brother, Duane Reifel.
Visiting hours will be held at the O'Donnell Funeral Home, 276 Pawtucket St, Lowell, MA on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from 4 to 8 o'clock with an opportunity to publicly share memories at 6:30.
Nina requested that in lieu of flowers, friends and family consider donating to the "Dean Nina Coppens Endowed Scholarship Fund" to support deserving students in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Donations should be made out to "Dean Nina Coppens Endowed Scholarship Fund" and mailed to the Office of Advancement, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854 or online at www.uml.edu/givenow. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
As my mentor and teacher, you taught me that education is about so much more than knowledge. It is a process for discovering our reality and also our humanity. I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing and I am proud to be a part of your legacy. Thank you for all that you have done for me.
Farewell.
Kenneth Pitts
June 12, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Nina was my nursing instructor many years ago. I will never forget her intelligence and kindness. She was always my favorite. I am saddened by her death, she went too soon.
Christine Gendron Florence GNP
April 23, 2013
I am sorry I am unable to attend today. Nina was my colleague when I taught nursing at UMass Lowell. She was unfailingly kind, particularly when I was ill. She was a remarkable nurse educator who personified the concepts of grace and professionalism.
Mary Gardner
April 23, 2013
Dr. Coppens had such a deep impact on me as a psychology student at UML in 2002. She was my professor and mentor while I worked on a research project with her at the Angkor Dance Center.
She had an amazing way of teaching that made me want to learn more.
I have thought of her often in the many years since.
I hope her family can take some comfort in the fact that she touched so many lives in such an impactful way.
Heather Pellegrino
April 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Dr. Coppens you made a profound impact on me as a nursing student. I will never forget your strength and kindness.
Dottie Semonian, FNP-BC
April 22, 2013
Sorry to read of Nina's death. She and her family were former neighbors of ours in Sheldon. Although she was enough older than me that I really didn't know her personally, I knew her because she was a neighbor. I knew her parents fairly well, and Duane worked for my father when I was small. Also, my sisters and I did a lot of babysitting for Denise, Anita and Christine. Condolences to you and your family.
Mary Noel Thibaut
April 22, 2013
To Paul, Lindsay and Katie, I was so sorry to hear that Nina had passed away. She was always a friendly face here on campus. She will be missed by many. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Kelly Morin
April 22, 2013
a wonderful bright woman who never displayed rudeness or hostility when presenting her views that were at times different from others but very correct,such decent people, Nina and to Paul, deepest regrets, neil tryansky
neil tryansky
April 20, 2013
You touched my life, Dr. Coppens. We will miss you. Condolences to your family and friends.
Jay Santos
April 19, 2013
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