Rolaine Vines Copeland

1938 - 2015

Rolaine Vines Copeland

Rolaine Vines Copeland passed away peacefully at home with family on Nov. 4, 2015.

Rolaine was born in Portland, Oregon on October 28,1938. Her parents were Marian and Alex Vines. She was the second of three sisters including Ardee Vines Warshal and Davene Cohen.

Rolaine attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1960 with a B.A. in social work. Her career included time as a social worker for the Salvation Army; as a teacher at the Bush School; and as director of education for Philadelphia's Foundation for Architecture from 1983 to 1993.

While at the Foundation, Rolaine developed the international Architecture in Education program. The program engaged educators, volunteer design professionals, and university students as teaching resources to help children learn about architecture and the environment. Rolaine continued to direct and expand the program on her return to Seattle.

Through her efforts thousands of students profited. Under her direction, the program's 1986 publication Architecture in Education: A Resource of Imaginative Ideas and Tested Activities became an invaluable teaching tool across the US and in more than 25 countries, and is still used today. The American Institute of Architects recognized her in 1994 as an honorary member.

Rolaine was the only skipper in the family to sail the wooden boat "Poncho" to victory in the weekly Tuesday night races on Lake Washington. Over a well-earned Gibson later at the Red Onion Tavern, she explained, "Women are just better sailors."

Rolaine is survived by her husband Lee, sister Ardee, daughter Lene;, son Michael, and four grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held soon. We hold Rolaine in our hearts, and will deeply miss our wife, mother, and friend. Donations may be made in Rolaine's honor to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for breast cancer research.