Joanne Copeland Sarbaugh

1935 - 2023

The best mom to her sons, "second mom" to many others, and co-founder and Executive Producer of Boulder's Dinner Theatre, Joanne "Jody" Sarbaugh, passed into eternal life on April 4th surrounded by the family she loved. "A wonderful lady, I love her" and "the most gracious, hard-working, giving and caring lady I knew" are phrases often heard when talking about Jody, who was born January 26, 1935. Jody attended Washington Elementary, Casey Junior High, and Boulder High School. She was active in the BHS Odaroloc, ski club, Latin club, girls tennis, and was a class officer and Student Council member, as well as a Homecoming attendant and baton twirler for the marching band. Her love of music was evident early on as she participated in orchestra and choir, and was slated to be a concert pianist, but chose to raise a family instead. Of course, she was an institution as the piano accompanist for the elementary, junior high, and high school choirs and musicals. After attending CSU, she met Raymond Duane Sarbaugh while working a summer job at the University Memorial Center at CU. They were married in 1955 and settled in Martin Acres. Jody was the mother of three sons, Scott David ('57), Bruce Whitney ('59), and Douglas Rob ('64, d. '23). While raising her family, Joanne worked at the National Bureau of Standards and at MCDB Department at CU, and was a "second mom" to many of her son's friends. and an active member in the Boulder Jaycee's, Rotary Club, and the Bank of Boulder - Club 55. In 1976, Jody, her husband Duane, Ross Haley, and Doug McLemore founded Boulder's Dinner Theatre, where she acted as Executive Producer for the next 20 years. Jody's energy, love of musical theater, and compassion cultivated a warm and inviting atmosphere among the many kitchen staff, cast members, musicians, sales and marketing and front office personnel, and others who became the "BDT family" spanning many generations. Jody was known as the glue that held the theater together and would spend many days working afternoon rehearsals, then a quick change to greet the guests as they arrived for the evening, a hostess serving coffee during the meals, and then arranging props and helping with costume changes during the show. Jody would at times spend hours driving to a curio shop or antique store just to find the perfect prop for a show. Her tireless energy and commitment to BDT was evident every evening. As her best friend and blood sister for life, Darlene Del Pizzo once said, "[Jody] was never early, but she was always there for everyone at all times. " In her spare time, Jody loved to read and always had a book or two on her nightstand, usually something about American or Egyptian history or science fiction. But her true passion was travel, especially with her family, sharing many experiences on trips with her children and grandchildren. The Caribbean and Europe were favorite destinations, but any destination would be a favorite of hers! Jody loved her family passionately, cherished her friends deeply, and lived her life with abundant compassion for all she met - you were only a stranger to Jody once and thereafter a part of her life. She will be greatly missed, but her love and light shines on through the spirit of her memories in all those she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Janice Copeland, sister, Marilyn (Copeland) Kostka, son, Douglas Sarbaugh, and granddaughter, Whitney Sarbaugh. She is survived by 2 brothers, Ron Copeland (Jeanie), and Jim Copeland (Donna), 2 sons, Scott Sarbaugh (Kathy), and Bruce Sarbaugh (Jana), grandchildren, Adam Sarbaugh (Emily), Tegan Bollefer (Greg), Jordan Sarbaugh (Morgan), Kendra Sarbaugh (Mike), Megan Sarbaugh, and Kayli Sarbaugh, and 6 great grandchildren. Services are planned at the First United Methodist Church, May 9th at 3:30 p.m., located at 14th and Spruce in Boulder, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at Boulder's Dinner Theatre, located at 55th St. and Arapahoe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jody's name to the Denver Actors Fund, at www.denveractorsfund.org, or donations can be made in Jody's name to Biliary Atresia Research & Education (BARE), at secure.givelively.org or Historic Boulder at HTTPS//:go.HistoricBoulder.org/donate