Janet D. Copley

Janet Daly Copley (nee Loeffler), of Springfield, MO, passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the age of 75. Beloved wife of the late Charles Gilbert Copley; devoted daughter of the late Alice and Orville Hugo Loeffler; loving mother of Jessica (Aaron) Lucero, Elizabeth Daly (Aaron) Hargrave, Robert C. (Amber) Copley, and the late John G. Copley; cherished grandmother of Dane (Hope Lodell) Lucero, Alexandra Lucero, Maya Lucero, Peyton Lucero, Ava Lucero, Elijah Hargrave, Evelyn Hargrave, Autumn Copley, Henry Hargrave, and Harper Copley; precious aunt of Mark Sparks, Gregg Sparks, and Alicen Gordon; dear sister of the late Donna (Eugene) Sparks.

Janet was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Janet Daly Copley was born to Orville and Alice Loeffler on December 1, 1947 in Washington DC. Janet was a curious and adventurous young child who loved to romp through the neighborhood and sometimes bring home stray animals who tugged at her heartstrings. She attended grade school and middle school in Haddonfield, New Jersey. While a teenager, her family moved to Huntsville, Alabama where she earned her high school diploma. Janet’s family held education in the highest regard. As a passionate learner, Jan furthered her learning by attending college at University of Missouri-Columbia to pursue a degree and begin a career in the field of her greatest passion, music. She fulfilled her goal and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Music, and then went on to become a children’s music teacher. She taught for the St. Louis Public School system, and while doing so, studied for and obtained her Master’s Degree in Vocal Music.

She married Gil Copley on June 5, 1971. The two met on a blind date while they were both students at Mizzou. After a few years, Janet gave birth to her first child, Jessica Robin. She was followed closely by John Gilbert. Elizabeth Daly blessed the family with her arrival a few years later. She and Gil were granted a nice reprieve before they were gifted a special surprise in the form of Robert Charles more than ten years later. She was a full time mother, caregiver and nurturer to her children. Janet was a caring and compassionate soul of the highest degree. Anyone who knew Jan, knew the indescribable love and care she gave to her son, John. She selflessly gave all of her being to him, dedicating her life to his care, after he tragically became disabled. She ignored those who said he should be put in a ‘home.’ John lived to be 26 years old after doctors said he would only survive until age 13.

Janet was blessed with 10 beloved grandchildren, who she was profoundly proud of and loved dearly. She cherished their company. There was no prouder grandmother or mother around.

Janet’s love of music followed her all the days of her life. There was never a choir that lacked for a wonderful soprano at any church she was a member of. She prided herself on being able to sing for the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, among other notable groups in her lifetime. She especially loved her Eighth Notes music group, which brought her companionship and song.

Jan took great joy in fishing, and the great outdoors. She both enjoyed and relished the opportunity to take in the sun, sand, and cool water of any beach. Janet studied her Scottish ancestry enthusiastically and took the trip of a lifetime to Scotland, In doing so, she met newfound family who also became friends.

Janet was a faithful, determined, loving, passionate and enduring woman, who affected those she left behind more than she will ever know. She will be woefully missed but our family takes great joy in knowing that she has been made new in our Lord Jesus, and is now reunited with her son, and many other loved ones that have passed before her.