Rita J. Copeland

Copeland, Rita J. (Cooney), 88, of Springfield, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017, at Oakwood Village. Rita was born November 12, 1928 in Springfield, OH to William and Jackaline (Cartzdafner) Cooney. This grand lady, Irish through and through, had her final prayer answered by the Lord who took her home on her favorite day of the year, St. Patrick's Day. She was the finest example of a servant to her faith: raising her children, volunteering in her community, and standing up for what is right in the face of injustice. Her Irish Eyes are perpetually smiling. She was a 1946 graduate of Catholic Central High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. She retired from Mercy Medical Center after many years of service and later volunteered there and at the Performing Arts Center for a number of years. Rita was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church and C.L. of C. Council #207. She also founded the Springfield Women's Irish Fellowship St. Patrick's Day Dinner. Survivors include eight children and spouses, Lisa (Tom) Yannucci, Falls Church, VA, Rachael (Dewey) Arnold, Naples, FL Julie Brennan, Amy Eimer, Springfield, Andrew (Jenny) Copeland, Highland, CA, Mary Rita Shank, Irvine, CA , Caroline Copeland, Lake Forest, CA and Tracy Presepe, Los Angeles, CA; 16 grandchildren, Teresa, Andrea, Tommy, Carrie, James, Daniel, Tyler, Andrew, Mark, Michelle, Katie, Molly, Taylor, Max, Carrie and Lisa; 14 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ann Burr and the father of her children, James E. Copeland. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME with C.L. of C. services at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday in St. Teresa Church. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Teresa Church.