When I think of Norma Copeland, I think of the way she loved unconditionally. She was probably the kindest person I have ever met. (Well, I would have to say that she matched my own dear mother in the kindness department).
She had a beautiful spirit and countenance and the sweetest smile that just lit up the room. Her eyes crinkled just like Jim’s when she laughed, and she laughed very easily.
When I married Jim almost 32 years ago, she welcomed me into the family and loved my three children as if they were her very own grandchildren, putting on birthday parties and showering them with Christmas presents. The divorce had scarred them deeply, and Norma’s love was like a healing balm, for which I will ever be grateful.
After my step-father died, and my mother was alone, Norma made sure that she was a part of the family also, and she was invited to all the family gatherings.
When mom moved in with Jim and I, she and Norma became “pals”, and for many years they spent what my mother called, “Wonderful Wednesdays” together. Norma would pick mom up and take her to the Family Ties restaurant in Townville and they would order their BLT’s, then drive back to my house to play Rummikub. I was so grateful for the friendship they developed and their times together. It meant the world to my mother that Norma would help to fill her lonely days while I was at work.
I know Norma is embracing her dear sisters in heaven now, and I can visualize my mother standing in line to hug her also.
She will be so fondly remembered and sorely missed by all of us she leaves behind.
