MARY ELLA KOPIA

1940 - 2018

WAYNESBORO - Mary Ella Kopia, 77, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 11, 2018. She was born in Jeanette, Pennsylvania on June 26, 1940, a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Gerich of Hampton, Virginia. Mary Ella graduated from Jeanette High School and the Robert Morris Business College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She worked as a secretary in the Transportation Department of the Koppers Company in Pittsburgh, and as a Branch secretary at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, from where she retired. At NASA, she was acknowledged for her efforts in maintaining efficient office operation and her contributions to the scientific mission of the Aerosol Research Branch. From 1984 to 1988, Mary Ella was the Secretary to the President's Assistant at the National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg, Virginia. While living in Williamsburg, she helped tutor grade school students in reading. Most recently she volunteered at the food bank for the Second Baptist Church and the Disciples Kitchen with the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Mary Ella enjoyed reading, traveling, working puzzles, sewing and needlework. She especially enjoyed reading and meditating on God's Holy Word. Mary Ella was a devoted and caring mother to her children, and a loving helpmate and confidant to her husband; she will be deeply missed. She attended Valley Baptist Church in Stuarts Draft. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Leonard Kopia; two children, Amy Horan of Leesburg, Virginia, and Brian Kopia of Staunton, Virginia; two granddaughters, Anna Kopia and Lillian Kopia both of Staunton, Virginia. A private family service will be conducted at Augusta Memorial Park, Waynesboro, Virginia. A memorial service will conducted at a later date, please check our website for date of service. There will be no formal viewing or visitation at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that contributions be sent to the Christian Broadcasting Network's, Operation Blessing International or the Fishersville Fire and Rescue Squad. Relatives and friend may share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.