Cathy Jo Copeland

Cathy Jo (Finn) Copeland was born May 4, 1961 to Pat and Mourine "Rene" (Link) Finn. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on November 3, 2025 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. There will be a private family burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Cathy's family.
Cathy attended Holy Ghost, Hempstead and Central High Schools. She was united in marriage to Dennis Copeland on December 22, 1979 and they raised two children together. They lived in Addison, IL, Greensboro NC, Mountain Top, PA and Massillon, OH before moving back to Dubuque to be closer to family when Cathy's health started to decline. Cathy and Dennis were best friends, companions, and true soulmates. As Dennis would say- she was the most beautiful woman on the Northend of town.
Cathy was diagnosed with MS in her mid-20's. She has always been fiercely independent, strong-willed, with lots of sass, which helped her courageously battle this disease over the last 40 years. She always had a take no bullshit attitude and was quick to say "whatever". She liked to go for shopping trips and look at everything. She loved her ice cream and sweets. She loved the water, four-leaf clovers, and strolls in the sun with her loved ones. She enjoyed a good garage sale, bingo, and any casino visit when she was able. She thoroughly loved spending time with her family and friends. She has lived at Sunnycrest Manor for the last 11 years and made many big fans throughout her stay.
Cathy is survived by her husband Dennis Copeland, daughter Tanya (Jamie) Roethler, son Eric (Heidi) Copeland, and her two granddaughters, Tayler and Skyler Copeland. Siblings Patty (Mike) Copeland, Jim (Pam) Finn, and Sandy (Jerry) Powers. In-laws are Linda (Marv) Stewart, Connie (Pup) Manders, Peggy (Paul) Kaune, Ken (Barb) Copeland, Mary (Ron) Martin and many nieces and nephews. Also in-laws Valerie and Vickie Copeland.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, in-laws Carl and Grace Copeland, and two brother-in-laws Pat and Johnny Copeland.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sunnycrest Manor, for always taking care of Cathy and treating her like family. Also a special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and wonderful care.
Cards and memorials in Cathy's memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Cathy Copeland Family.