Vera J Copeland

Vera Jean (Gossard) Copeland

June 20, 1934 – August 30, 2026

Vera J. Copeland, 92, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at North Point Nursing Home, Paola, Kansas.

Visitation will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Dengel & Son Mortuary – Paola Chapel, 305 N Pearl St., Paola, KS 66071. Memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm.

Vera was born June 20, 1934, in Harrod, Ohio, to Midd and Esta (Zimmerman) Gossard and three siblings. She graduated from Waynesfield High School where she met Duane W. Copeland, whom she married in 1952. They had 3 children, Dennis D., Douglas W., and Jeffrey E. Copeland who grew up in North Kansas City, Missouri. Vera navigated a divorce and single motherhood in 1969 and was always very proud of her boys. She worked as a secretary before becoming a bartender for over 20 years until retirement. She remarried to David M. Andrews, in 2002. Vera was a very bright, charming, unforgettable, and vivacious woman who loved her family and life itself. She will be dearly missed by all.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, her three siblings, both husbands, and her children, Dennis and Jeffrey Copeland, daughter-in-law Elynn Copeland, grandson Duane J. Copeland, and stepson Mark Andrews.

Vera is survived by her son Douglas W. Copeland (Mette), daughter-in-law Susan Copeland, seven grandchildren: Dennis P., Kyle, Kelly, Katrine, Nina, Paul and Douglas J.; and thirteen great grandchildren: Charlotte, Ella, Andreas, Kian, Mia, Nora, Magnus, Henrik, Gavin, Katie, Garrett, Charlotte and Victoria. She is also survived by two stepchildren, Lisa and Kathy, a step-daughter-in-law Anita, and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

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