Barbara Jean Cope

1931 - 2021

Our beloved mother, Barbara Jean Cope, made her heavenly transition on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. The youngest of five girls, Barbara was born August 17, 1931 to William and Helen Moore in Culver, Indiana. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a long-time member of the St. Augustine Episcopal Church. She last attended St. Barnabas in Gary. Barbara graduated from high school in Terre Haute, Indiana. Her excellent debating and oratorical skills earned her a scholarship to Indiana State University, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She also attended Roosevelt University and received a Master's in Education. Barbara taught in the Gary, Indiana and Bangor, Michigan school systems. Upon her return to Gary, she accepted the position as Director of Special Services at Indiana University Northwest (IUN), where she guided and oversaw services for students with special needs. While there, she participated in and held offices in national student service organizations, and served on the Indiana State Prison Board. Barbara served in various positions at IUN, retiring as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Upon her retirement, Barbara was appointed Executive Director of the Gary Educational Development Foundation. She was most proud of the work the organization did to help deserving students attend college. Barbara was an inductee of the Steel City Hall of Fame and the recipient of many awards, including the Distinguished Educator Award from Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, the IUN Chancellor's Medallion and the Sagamore of the Wabash, given by the Governor for distinguished service to the State of Indiana. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Garrett Livingston Cope. Over their 50 plus years of marriage, along with their two sons, they shared a love for education, the arts and dramatic performance. Also preceding her in death were her mother, father and three sisters. Surviving Barbara are her two sons, Garrett D. Cope and Michael L. (Patricia) Cope of Gary, and one sister, Mary Madison of Terre Haute, Indiana, in addition to many nieces and nephews, cousins, a host of friends and relatives and devoted friend, Anne Thompson. View and go visitation on Wednesday, February 10, noon until 8:00 p.m. Private funeral service on Thursday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. Due to COVID and need for social distancing, only invited persons will be allowed in the chapel. Thursday service will be live streamed on Facebook. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made in Barbara's memory to the Gary Educational Development Foundation, P.O. 641257 Gary, Indiana 46401.