Joan D. (Maier) Copella

Joan D. (Maier) Copella, 88, of Sidney, Ohio, peacefully passed away in her home on October 30, 2022.  She was born March 5, 1934 to John & Beatrice (Glass) Maier.

Joan married Ken Copella on June 21, 1958 and is survived by him and her three children, Tim (Roberto) Copella, Kevin (Kathy) Copella, Beth (Greg) Larger, two sisters, Janet Born and Carolyn Miller, and eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Marilyn Kemper. 

Joan was a devout Catholic and a member of Holy Angels Parish her entire life, graduating from Holy Angels High School in 1952. She was the church Organist for over 50 years and was a schoolteacher at Holy Angels Elementary in her early career. As Organist, Joan was proud to have played for over 250 weddings and numerous funerals. She also taught organ & piano lessons to young students for many, many years. Joan & Ken always made a point of saying the Rosary together every day at 3:30 PM and everyone who knew Joan knew of her deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. 

Joan was an avid reader and player of crossword puzzles and other word games.  She was an excellent seamstress and painter and she also enjoyed cooking and shopping throughout the year for Christmas presents.   She most loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family.  Joan had a wicked sense of humor and never took things too seriously - she loved a good laugh.  Halloween was a favorite time of year for Joan.  She loved dressing up and creating costumes for herself and her family.  It was infectious.  She left wonderful memories and traditions. A favorite quote that guided her life states, “Let there be music in my heart throughout all seasons…Let my spirit sing a song of hope in happiness or tears…Let me live my life in harmony with God, at peace with others, as love plays out the melody of all my days and years...” 

Friends may call at Salm-McGill and Tangerman Funeral Home in Sidney, Ohio on Wednesday November 2, 2022 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM and again on Thursday November 3, 2022 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the funeral home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church with Fr. Steve Mondieck. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Sidney, OH. Online condolences may be left for the Copella family at www.salm-mcgillandtangemenfh.com. Memorials may be made to Wilson Health Hospice (www.wilsonhealth.org, Hospice Endow Fund)  or to Fair Haven Activities (checks only) at 2901 Fair Road, Sidney, OH  45365. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wilson Health Hospice for all their help and care with Joan. Salm-McGill and Tangeman Funeral Home is honored to be taking care of the Copella family. 

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