Carol Ann Copland, beloved wife, mother, and servant of God, passed away on May 2, 2023, in Oscoda, MI, at the age of 86.
Born in Cleveland, OH, Carol was the daughter of Laverne Hotson Morgan and Carolyn Colette Morgan. She attended St. Mary’s of Royal Oak Elementary School and graduated from Clawson High School. She went on to attend the University of Michigan, Dearborn, before her education was interrupted by marriage and children.
Carol married Joseph (Pat) Paterson Copland on September 26, 1956 and together they raised seven children. As an Air Force wife, Carol moved frequently with her family but always made a faith- and music-filled, loving home for them wherever they were.
Once Pat began his civilian career, Carol’s dedication to her faith and her music led her to return to school while still raising her children. She earned a BA in Music Education from Madonna University in Livonia. Her career as piano teacher, religious educator and classroom music teacher inspired many students, both young and old.
She continued her studies at Loyola University Chicago, earning a Masters in Pastoral Studies. She used this education to start youth groups in many of her home parishes. Carol shepherded countless young people on their faith journey and was active in the Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) for many years. Her service to CYO earned her the Joe Glacier Award for eight years of dedication on the the CYO Board of Directors.
Many people will remember Carol for having the ‘voice of an angel’ and she freely shared this gift with her Church and community. She sang in her parish choirs and was cantor for many Liturgies, especially these last years at Sacred Heart Parish in Oscoda, MI. Her love of country moved her to sing for community events and Carol could be heard singing the National Anthem or God Bless America at the VFW, Knights of Columbus, the Annual Copland Family Pig Roast and many other area celebrations and occasions.
Carol is remembered as a remarkable woman of God with a special devotion to our Blessed Mother. Her rosary in hand and a prayer on her lips saw her through the tears and celebrations of family life. Her children, raised in faith, and growing up in a house filled with music, were sent out the door each morning with a blessing and the certain knowledge that they were, above all, loved.
Her voice will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched during her lifetime. We are sure that the greeting she hears this day in heaven will be, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Carol is survived by her children Richard Copland, Carolyn (Cliff) Curtis, Kathleen (Michael) Nalepa, Christine McDunnough, Patrick (JoAnna) Copland, Ann (Robert) Kehn, and Mark (Jennifer) Copland; her siblings Janet (Waldemar) Goulet; John Morgan; Wesley Jerome Morgan; 21 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her husband Joseph (Pat) Paterson Copland and her brothers Richard Morgan and Robert Morgan.
We will miss you here on earth, Mom and we’ll “be seeing you in all the old familiar places.” We know you will be praying for us with all the angels and saints in heaven.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm with the Rosary at 6:00 pm and Vigil service at 7:00 pm at Buresh Funeral Home at 212 W. River Rd. Oscoda, MI. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 5 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5300 North Huron Rd, Oscoda, MI with Visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with the Reverend Charles Donajkowski officiating. Burial will be Friday, May 12 at 1:00 pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Buresh Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.bureshfuneralhomes.com. Memorial contributions can be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
