Renate Annelies Koppelman

1938 - 2024

DALLAS — Renate Annelies Koppelman, 86, of Dallas, Pa., passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.

Renate was born in Krojanke, Germany, on April 16, 1938, to the late Herbert and Margarete Beilke. She grew up with her younger siblings, nurtured by their mother in Werder. After completing her education in Berlin, Renate pursued her passion for artistry at the Zeichenakademie in Hanau, Germany, where she proudly graduated as a goldsmith.

Eager for adventure, Renate and a friend embarked on a journey to the United States. Although her experience as an au pair wasn't fulfilling, fate smiled upon her when they secured roles at an electronics company in Westchester County. It was there that she met her future husband, Stephen Koppelman. In 1964, she took a bold step and relocated to Manhattan, wholeheartedly choosing to make the United States her new home.

Renate moved to Pennsylvania in 1967 with her young and expanding family. They settled in Mountain Top, where she raised her daughters, designed beautiful jewelry, volunteered at the library, and made lasting friendships. After her marriage ended in divorce, Renate moved to Shavertown, where she spent 17 very happy years with her partner, Dr. Sanford Sternlieb. She and Sandy enjoyed classical music, art and spending time in Manhattan and Palm Desert. But it was visiting her family in Bermuda, Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Germany and Center Moreland that brought them the greatest joy.

After Sandy's passing, Renate spent time with friends and family. She was a devoted and longtime Pilates client at Sheri Pilates. She enjoyed lunches, dinners, 'coffee and cake' with friends and long visits from her beloved sister Susanne. More than anything, Renate loved spending time with her five grandchildren: Jack, Sam, Louis, Elsa and Celia. She would often comment that the one she loved most was the one she was with. She loved her sons-in-law, Chris and John, who will miss her warm smile, kindness and sense of humor. Her daughters, Suzanna and Melissa, have fond memories of times spent together with much laughter. Renate made friends with everyone who came into her life. She was gracious, elegant, joyful, and charming. Those who knew her loved her.

Renate is survived by her daughters: Suzanna (Chris) Schaper, and Melissa (John) Parente; grandchildren: Jack, Sam, Louis Parente; and Elsa and Celia Schaper; her sister, Susanne Paul; and brother, Christian Beilke.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. A luncheon to share memories will

follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either of the two following local charities: Fork Over Love, Forkoverlove.org; or CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, luzernecasa.org.