Joan Copenhaver, 67 of Gaylord, passed away on September 21, 2017.
Joan was born on February 22, 1950 in Keokuk, Iowa to David and Margaret (Hillier) Denholm. Joan was a Secular Franciscan and a devoted Catholic who ministered to some and prayed for many. She loved to be outdoors and to spend time with her family and friends. Joan was full of energy, though she was soft-spoken and gentle.
Joan is survived by daughter, Sara Copenhaver; grandchildren Ariel Williamson, Kristofer Copenhaver, Antonia, Bibiana, and Gabriela Quintana-Copenhaver; great-grandchildren Graham Gursky and Eli Swanson; and siblings Nancy Duberville, Craig Denholm, and John Denholm. She is preceded in death by her parents, David and Margaret; and daughters Jessica and Rebecca Copenhaver.
Memorial services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Gaylord starting at 11am on Saturday, September 30, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the family for future designation.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49374.
23 comments on “Copenhaver, Joan”
My heart goes out to my family
My most sincere condolences to all the family
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom, Sarah. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this most difficult time. May God bless and keep her in his presence forever.
John, Craig, Nancy and family I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Our memories will carry on. Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you all.
Joe & Judy Johnston
John Nancy Craig,
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing .Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .Love to all
Many good memories of good time with the family
Mary
So very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing! We were school mates back in the day, many great memories! Rest in peace Joannie, meet you on the other side!
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. We were school mates back in the day. Have many fond memories . Rest in peace Joannie, see you on the other side!
Such heavenly reward awaits such a soul. Such a gaping loss here for all of you. My heart goes out to you all. Wishing you comfort and peace.
John, Nancy, and Craig.
Saddened with the passing of Joan. My. thoughts and prayers are with you!
May perpetual light shine upon you, Joan. I will miss our conversations before Mass on Saturday evening. Angels have lead you into Paradise.
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for you.
Thoughts and prayers for the family, during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about your sister, My prayers are with you and family, God Bless her .
Sending prayers for comfort and strength at this difficult time.
Sarah, your mom has always had a very special place in my heart because she touched my life in so many ways. I have no doubt that she is now with the Lord, singing his praises, and praying for you and the rest of her family. I am also praying for you.
Though it has been many years since I last saw Joan, I think of her very often. All of my most precious memories from high school involved my very good friend and confidant, Joan. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I will be saying prayers for the family in this difficult time. Joan was a wonderful woman and loved by many. May God bless you all.
Denholm and Copenhaver families,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Joan. For many years we have been friends starting with my working at the Dime Store for Dave and Ma! I hadn’t seen her for many years until I was working in Manistique and stayed at the motel where she was night manager. I would get in late and she always saved the room closest to the front desk for me. She knew we would spend most of the night having an interesting conversation! She is now with Ma, Pa and Craigs son, on the other side looking down at us and waiting for everyone to join her in heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with the families she has left behind and Joanie my friend I will see you on the again some day
So sorry for your loss. Joan was a gentle person and a blessing to all who knew her.
Peace to her family.
Sending my sympathy and love to Joan’s family.
She is my cousin and because we live in Oregon I was unable to have a close relationship with her. How special to know what a wonderful and caring woman she was.
Gods’ Blessing to all her family
Nancy, Craig, and John.
So sorry for your loss. We are out of town and unable to attend Joanne’s service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the peace of our Lord give you strength during this difficult time. Joan is at peace.
Jim and Gail Prusakiewicz
So sorry for your loss, Joan was such a loving and wonderful person.
Nancy, John and Craig–I have so many fond memories of growing up with your family on Sheldon Street. Joan and I spent many happy hours together. I remember playing at each other’s homes, playing neighborhood yard games, and bicycle rides to “Thirty Acres.” Joan had a very sweet spirit. I haven’t seen her for fifty years, but she had a special place in my life. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for God’s comfort and very real presence during this tough time. Daphne Barstow Bevill