St. Luke Mary Emma COPELAND CSJ

This passionate teacher, advocate for the immigrant, and beloved friend was born Mary Emma, in Waverly, MN to John and Loretta (Rasset) Copeland on February 8, 1930, and died on January 13, 2021 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Before entering the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1948, St. Luke received a certificate as a Medical Secretary from the Minneapolis Business School. She later earned a BA in English and Education from the College of St. Catherine (1960), and an MA in Developmental Reading and Administration from the University of St. Thomas (1976). St. Luke taught elementary education at many Twin City schools including: Holy Spirit, St. Luke, and Nativity in St. Paul; St. Pius X in White Bear Lake; St. Thomas the Apostle in Minneapolis, and spent 25 years at St. Michael in West St. Paul, where she was also principal for over 20 years. In 1989 she and three other CSJ sisters started The Vineyard, an advocacy program that prepared adults for US citizenship, where between them they taught over 400 immigrants from more than 40 countries. St. Luke offered this important ministry for nearly 30 years stating: "Lives can be fuller and happier with just a little help." St. Luke is preceded in death by her parents; sisters Lillian Doll, Frances Huikko, and Ann Greenhagen; and brothers John and Robert Copeland. She is survived by many nieces and nephews; grand nieces and nephews; the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM, in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Social distancing, limited seating, and wearing masks required. Memorials preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation. Sister St. Luke, rest in love and peace. 651-698-0796