Irene P. Copper age 84, died at home on Thursday (February 2, 2023).
There will be no prior calling hours. Friends may attend a memorial service on Saturday (February 11) 11 a.m. at the United Church of Phelps. Private burial will be in Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
It is requested that memorial contributions be made to the United Church of Phelps, 58 Main Street, Phelps or the Phelps American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, 1346 Rt 96 Phelps, NY 14532.
Irene was born on May 4, 1938 in Baltimore Md., the daughter of the late Arthur and Louella Duhl Pugh.
She graduated from SUNY Geneseo and worked as a Speech Therapist at the Geneva School District. She was proud to teach her students how to sign the Pledge of Allegiance. Irene was very active in her community. She was a member of the United Church of Phelps where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was the Chairman of the American Red Cross Blood Drive. She was past Matron of Royal Garoga Chapter of the Eastern Star. Irene was an active member of the Phelps American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and past Chaplin of Ontario County Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of the Phelps BPW and the Phelps Historical Society Croquet Club.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, William “Bill” Copper; daughters, Rose (Tom) Copper-Brown of Clifton Springs, Pennie (Dale) Daunce of Clifton Springs, and Cate Ertle of Germany; son-in-law, Ray Heusler of Phelps; sister-in-law, Nellie Pugh of Pa.; grandchildren, Kyle, Nick, Kristina, Sarah, Morgan, Garrett, Giselle, Jennifer and Lisa,; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Louise; granddaughter, Catherine; brother, Arthur “Buddy”; and sisters, Marcella and Betty.
