Bernice Clara Cops

Our beautiful mother, Bernice Clara Cops (nee Fields), age 91, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, with her children by her side. Bernice was born September 20, 1931, in Appleton to Lloyd and Caroline (Schreiber) Fields. She attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from St. Mary Menasha High School.
While working at Tastee Bakery, Bernice met the love of her life, Gerardus "Jerry" Cops. The two married on a beautiful July day in 1956. They celebrated 66 years of marriage and were on their way to 67 years before Jerry's passing in May of 2023. Bernice was a wonderful mother and homemaker to their seven children. She taught them the value of hard work and encouraged them to take time and enjoy the simple pleasures in life like reading or taking walks in nature. When the children were older, she liked to volunteer at the school library, meet up with friends for coffee, or have the occasional date night with Jerry at the casino.
Bernice enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Crystal Lake and wintering in Florida. She loved watching the wildlife, especially the hummingbirds and cardinals as they would visit the feeders. Family was important to her. She loved the large family get togethers for birthdays and holidays. Bernice would often travel with Jerry to grandchildren's sporting events and activities. Once the great-grandchildren started arriving, Bernice loved to spoil them and looked forward to their visits.
Bernice is survived by her seven children: Bob (Marlene), Ron (Lynn), Kathy (Tom) Courtney, Don (Linda), Mary (Mike) Kempen, Lori (Kevin) Shulfer, Richard (Sara); 17 grandchildren: Jena (Chris) Schmidt, Trisha, Joe Cops, Becky (Chris) Loofboro, Andy (Kimberly) Courtney, Matt (Brittany) Kempen, Meghan (Micah) Woelfel, Zach, Tyler Shulfer, Rachel, Jacob Cops, Joshua (Jess), Lindsey Mittendorf, Greg (Gita), Jim (Kian) and Mike (Erin) Standish; 18 great-grandchildren: Harlee, Eden, Liam Schmidt, Sophia Loofboro, Leah, Everett Kempen, baby Woelfel (October), Kylee, Kayla, Khloe, Giavonna, Gianni, Gorgio, Genevieve, baby Standish (September), Everett, Crewe and Finley Standish; brother-in-law Father Gus Cops; sisters-in-law Margie Young, Beverly Cops, Joyce Cops, and Ellie Vincent. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerardus; parents Lloyd and Caroline Fields, sisters and brother-in-law Joann and Clifford Uitenbroek, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Nelly and Martin Van Nuland, Mary and Peter "Bill" Havinga, Annie and Ken Schuh, Dorothy and Joseph Van Nuland, Josie and John Vincent, Father Peter Cops, Henry Cops, Eddie Cops, and Paul Young.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, August 1st at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 S. State St. Appleton with Father Bill Swichtenberg officiating. Friends may visit on Monday, July 31st, at the Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel from 4 pm to 7 pm, with a Prayer Service and Rosary to start at 6:15 pm. Visitation will continue Tuesday at the church from 9:30 am until 10:45 am. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established, or consider a donation to one of your favorite charities in memory of Bernice.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Living Tree Estates and the staff of Moments Hospice for the compassionate care given to Bernice.