Obituary
Wendy Copeland was born and raised in Palatine, Illinois, the fourth child of Anne and Donald Copeland. In 2003 she met Jon Schwartz, the love of her life. They outdid each other in silly antics and spent time together in quiet companionship, with their 2 cats rescued from Kindred Kitties. Wendy was sensitive and hilariously funny, deeply connected to her family, her friends, and her community.
Wendy pursued learning throughout her life, always eager to understand more about the world. A graduate of Bradley University, she worked in Quality Assurance and Clinical Label Management at Abbott and Abbvie for over 30 years, gathering many loyal, lifelong friends.
Wendy loved creative activities. She expressed herself through colorful tie dye, outrageous holiday fashion and décor (particularly all things Halloween), and an endless sea of creations emerging from the depths of her craft closet. When she loved something, she loved it with every part of her being. From her devotion to the Grateful Dead and Elvis, to her monthly commitment to seasonal nail art, it was clear to everyone that she could find endless joy all around her. She was the life of every party and could be counted on to bring the fun.
Wendy also had a strong sense of obligation to society. Much of her time was spent in service to various organizations, including The Palatine Jaycees, Congregation Or Shalom of Vernon Hills, and, most recently ENGin, a volunteer organization that teaches English to Ukrainian adults through one-on-one video-conversation. She was efficient and organized, so successful at getting things done that she was a highly sought-after committee leader and advisor.
Wendy is survived by her husband Jon, mother Anne Copeland, step-mother Miriam Katzir Copeland, sisters Deeana (Jeff) Klepper and Heather Copeland, nieces Rachel (Alexandra) Klepper and Liora Klepper, stepchildren Aleya Schwartz and Dayna (Michael Gibbons) Schwartz, and grandchildren Harrison and Ethan. She was preceded in death by her sister Shelley Copeland and her father, Don Copeland.
The Celebration of Life Service will be Wednesday, June 24th, 2:00 p.m. at Congregation Or Shalom, 21 W. Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061.
Donations in Wendy’s memory may be sent to the Palatine Jaycees (note “in memory of Wendy Copeland” in the “donation for” box), www.palatinejaycees.org or the Mitzvah Meal Fund at Congregation Or Shalom, www.orshalomlc.org. Info: The Goldman Funeral Group, wwww.goldmanfuneralgroup.com (847) 478-1600.
Arrangements by Goldman Funeral Group.
www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com