Barbara Ann Copeland

Barbara Ann Copeland, 85, passed away September 16, 2021 at her home, as she wanted. Her parents, George and Catherine (Muldoon) Mink, her sister, Catherine Armstrong, and her beloved husband, Vernon Copeland all preceded her in death. She is loved dearly by her devoted family who will carry on her memory for the rest of their lives.

Barbara was born on April 13, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA, and she never stopped being that “big city girl.” She met her Prince Charming at a Navy dance and they married on his birthday, September 18, in 1954. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage, raising their family with unconditional love as they made many moves across the country, before finally settling down in Springfield.

Barbara took great pride in all of her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, maintaining personal and deep relationships with each of them. It was no secret that if you brought your friends around “Nana” they quickly became her friends too. She always made sure not only that everyone was taken care of, but that they were happy. She truly showed unconditional love to everyone that came into her life and only saw the best in people.

While Barbara always made sure her family was taken care of, she consistently went above and beyond to have a positive impact throughout the community. Barbara was a very active member of the Church, whether it be ushering during Mass, providing for funeral meals, or just setting an example for other members of the Church; Barbara truly lived her faith.

She volunteered countless times with the Knights of Columbus 364, Helping Hands and anywhere else that would accept her help. Lately, she had helped to create and maintain a food micropantry run by her daughter, Catherine.

Barbara is survived by one brother, George (Maureen) Mink of Philadelphia, PA; two daughters, Patricia Copeland and Catherine Copeland, both of Springfield, IL; two sons, Paul (Barbara) Copeland of Louisville, KY, and Carl Copeland of Liberty, KY; six grandchildren: Ian (Amanda) Copeland and Kathleen (Billy) Bishop of Louisville, KY, Lacey (Sean) McCormick of Chatham, IL, Aaron, Will, and Annie Copeland of Springfield, IL; five great-grandchildren: Brandon, Tristan, Leah, Ava, and Malachi; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barbara’s children and grandchildren will be forever grateful for the special bond she had with her nephews Ed, Joe, Rick, and Rob.

The memorial gathering will be Friday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; a mass will immediately follow at 11:30. The Funeral Mass will be officiated by Father Pete Chineke, Barbara’s honorary grandson and a dear family friend. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ash Street micro-pantry c/o Catherine Copeland.