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Bernard Copeland Obituary
News Death Notice
COPELAND, Bernard H. Jr. 74 of St. Albans, Vermont, formerly of Springfield, Ohio died Wednesday April 1, 2009, in the Flether Allen Hospital following a courageous struggle with cancer. His loving family was with him and continued the Rosary for his soul. Bernard was born on July 1, 1934, one of nine children born to the late Bernard and Lillian (Wild) Copeland. He graduated from Catholic Central High School and served 18 years in the United States Air Force, retired as a Tech Sergeant. Bernard was a daily communicant of Holy Angels Church and a member of the Fourth Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus. June 2, 1956, Bernard married Florence "Flossie" Gingras. Beside his wife of almost 53 years, he is survived by his son, Stephen Copeland; daughter, Victoria Willette, and grandson Dillon Willette all of St. Albans; his brothers and sisters and spouses, Eugene and Margaret Langen, James and Gert Copeland, Dorothy Copeland, Richard and Sharon Copeland, Michael Copeland all of Springfield, Ohio; and several nieces, nephews & cousins. Besides his parents, Bernie was predeceased by his siblings, Robert and Thomas Copeland and Mary Ann Rader; and nephews, Terry Copeland and "Buddy" Langen. A Funeral was held Monday April 6, 2009 with Interment in the Copeland family Lot in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Albans, Vt. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bernie to the American Cancer Society, or Northwestern Medical Center Division, P.O. Box 1370, St. Albans, Vt. 05478. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St Bernard Catholic Church, on July 1, 2009 at 8:30a.m., with Father Paul Hurst, presiding.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Copeland
John Cashin
April 11, 2009
To the Copeland Family:
I was pleasantly surprised when "Bernie" attended our 50th Class Reunion. We had a pleasant time recounting the intervening years.
Truly a very nice guy, with terrific artistic ability.
May God have mercy on his soul.
Vicki Willette
April 9, 2009
Daddy,
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not meant to be,
So he put his arms around you
and wispered "come to me"
With tearful eyes we watched you
as we saw you pass away.
Although we loved you deeply
we could not make you stay.
Your golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
I LOVE YOU
Vicki
Dick and Sharon
April 7, 2009
Dear Flossie, Steve, Vicki, and Dillon,
Judging from the "younger" family members' thoughts here, Bernie was more than just physically looked up to. In that big, imposing body lived the heart of a child. It showed in his smile and gentle manner. We will miss him dearly.
May the chill of your sorrow be replaced with warm memories of Bernie.
Love and Prayers,
Eric Rader
April 6, 2009
Dear Flossie, Vicky and Steve:
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Bernie. As a child, I enjoyed Uncle Bernie's visits to Springfield--he was always very popular with his nieces and nephews. You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
With love,
Caroline Copeland
April 5, 2009
Dear Aunt Flossie, Steve and Vicky,
I too remember only a deep, heartfelt laugh and gentleness. His eyes were gentle and honest. I remember most the thumb trick that he did every single time I saw him. As a child, it was always a new trick to me that he knew I had not figured out. I know that your hearts are heavy, but take strength in the imprint he left on all of our hearts. xoxoxo
Tracy Copeland Presepe
April 5, 2009
Dear Aunt Flossie, Vicky and Steve -
His bigger than life laugh, his warm, genuine smile, and the twinkle in his eyes that could light up a room - these are my memories of Uncle Bernie that I will always hold dear. I'm so sorry for your loss, and pray that your grieving will only be surpassed by the wonderful memories you shared. Take care during this very sad time.
Lori Copeland McIlwain
April 5, 2009
Flossie, Vicky and Steve;
I'll always remember Uncle Bernie as such a kind, loving soul. We will miss him dearly. We're thinking of you and sending much love and peace,
Beth McCain
April 5, 2009
Aunt flossie, Vicky, and Steve,
My memories of Uncle Bernie are nothing but sweet happy ones. I loved him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you right now during this very sad time.
Bobby Copeland
April 5, 2009
Flossie, Steve and Vicky,
While the miles have kept us apart for all these years, Uncle Bernie always held a special place in our hearts. I loved playing chess with him when he was visiting Springfield and will never forgot the heart felt, emotional letter that he read at my Dad's (Bob) Funeral. As you can see with the messages from the cousin's he was loved and will be missed. God Bless.
Lisa Wood
April 5, 2009
Dear Aunt Flossie, Vicky and Steve, I'm so very sorry for your loss. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Uncle Bernie will always be thought of affectionately.
Our Love and Prayers,
Lisa, Mark, Marisa and Jacob Wood
Amy Copeland Eimer
April 4, 2009
Dear Aunt Flossie, Steve and Vicky,
My memories of Uncle Bernie are few but are so sweet. He was always so gentle and loving. Please know that you are all in my prayers and thoughts as you go through this difficult time. I wish I could be there to give you hugs. Be gentle with yourselves and each other.
Love,
Amy Copeland Eimer
Cindy Rodman
April 4, 2009
Flossie, Steve and Vicky,
Thinking of you...praying for you, and most of all honoring Uncle Bernie with wonderful memories of a kind and gentle soul. We will miss him dearly.
Cindy Copeland Rodman
Ann Copeland
April 4, 2009
Aunt Flossie, Steve and Vicky
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need. Although the family drifted apart over the years due to miles or circumtances we never drtifted in our love for one another.
May you feel some relief knowing he is not alone, he is in the company of family; Grandma, Grandpa, Bob (my dad), Terry (my brother), Buddy, and Aunt Maryann as well as many other friends and family.
Love,
Ann Copeland
Jason & Kellie Copeland
April 4, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 4, 2009
Aunt Flossie, Vicky and Steve,
We cousins will forever remember Uncle Bernie as one of the most hugable, loveable and fun Uncles. Our prayers are with you now and always.
Love,
Debbi Copeland Green and family
April 4, 2009
April 4, 2009
Dear Aunt Flossie, Steve and Vicky,
I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of Uncle Bernie. I remember him as such a gentle man who always loved to laugh. He will be greatly missed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Julie Copeland Brennan
April 3, 2009
Florence Copeland and family: I had the privilege of personally knowing Bernie for many years and thought the world of him. Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. Bernie will not suffer any more and is in God's hands.
Donald & Jeanne Poirier
April 3, 2009
Aunt Flossie, Steve and Vicky,
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Bernie's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember his beautiful smile and his big bear hugs!
Gina Langen
The Staff of Brady & Levesque Funeral Home And Commemorative Services
April 2, 2009
Offering our sympathies during this time.
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