Marilyn C. Copley

September 17, 1931 – March 26, 2022

Marilyn C. Copley

Marilyn Dorothy (Casper) Copley, age 90 and longtime resident of Bellevue, WA, peacefully passed away on March 26, 2022 in Bellevue.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 17,1931, to Keith Clark Casper, Sr. of Salt Lake City, UT,  and Caroline Dorothy (Coomber) Casper from London, England.

Married for 67 years to Carl T. Copley.

The oldest of nine children, Marilyn always loved children. She graduated from the University of Utah with an Early Childhood Education degree, where, during her senior year she and Carl met on a blind date, being set up through friends who were engaged to each other. Carl enjoys telling people that the Easter Bunny brought Marilyn an engagement ring! He had purchased the diamond a few years before in Holland, where he was serving a church mission. She tells people she married him because he was kind. They were married in the stately Salt Lake City, Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 14, 1954 and honeymooned in Bryce Canyon.

The happy couple spent the first several years of their marriage while Carl served in the Army, becoming parents while stationed in England. They also lived in Germany for 1.5 years. Traveling while six-months pregnant, she endured a lengthy ocean liner trip “across the pond” from Germany, to New York Harbour with Carl. Back to civilian life, they had their next three children while in Salt Lake City, Utah and their fifth child was born in Huntsville, Alabama. They moved to Bellevue, WA November of 1968 where they have resided in the same house ever since.

Marilyn was one of the first hired workers in the cafeteria at the (then) brand new LDS Seattle Temple in 1980. She found much enjoyment working among those who served in such a holy edifice. She also enjoyed playing the organ in the temple, which she did for 16-17 years.

A fan of the Mariners baseball team, she was often teased about her “other sons”, Randy Johnson, and Ichiro Suzuki. She knew many stats! She also loved working crossword puzzles, sewing, birdwatching, and doing family history work, which she spent many years compiling.

Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Marilyn knew her to be a very kind, thoughtful, generous woman. She radiated warmth and light. Her integrity, patience and gentle soft-spoken nature endeared her to many. She loved the Lord and her family. Her favorite pastimes were spent with her beloved family and she was proud of each and every one. She loved being a mom. Then she also loved being a grandma. And then a GGma (great-grandma)!  While raising children, she enjoyed attending their many musical concerts and recitals, sports activities, church events, and other activities, which she also repeated with grandchildren.

She and Carl are truly devoted to each other and loved hosting family reunions every five years beginning with their 40th Wedding anniversary in 1994 in Montana. She enjoyed being out in nature, especially on the coast, walking along the surf, watching the ocean waves as her family members flew kites, rode horses or motor-bikes, while she simply appreciated the beauty around her. Her favorite season was Autumn.

Each of Marilyn’s family members have fond memories of family gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, special Family Home Evenings, (including their favorite Chocolate 4-layer Cake!), birthday celebrations (featuring her famous lasagna!), and other special or simply ordinary occasions. Marilyn was creative when it came to her children’s birthdays, making special cake shapes such as a large butterfly or a train.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she happily served in many capacities including teaching, serving in leadership capacities in the women’s and children’s organizations, playing the piano & organ, and many other roles. Her favorite calling was to play the piano for the children’s organization. She loved the songs and the hymns. Her parents were musically inclined, as was she. Marilyn’s talent for music was something she and Carl applied to rearing their family.

Her quiet strength, positive outlook, and calming influence was always present and appreciated. She often had a kind word to share. Marilyn felt unconditional love for her family members and others, was a great listener, and her home was always very welcoming.

She will be missed and lovingly remembered by Carl, her daughters Dorothy (Robert) Mecham, Kathy (Colin) McMullin, sons Keith (Linda) Copley, Ronald (Marian) Copley, and David (Ellen) Copley. She is also survived by three beloved sisters, Diane (the late Warren) Sutton, Carolyn (Gary) Walkingshaw, Dixie (Larry) Nelson and brother Dennis (Midge) Casper, eighteen grand-children (some with spouses), nine great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in passing by her dear parents, sisters Irene (the late Joe) Pappenfuss, Valerie (the late Roy) Retalick, Patsy (Harold) Alston, brother Keith Jr. (Rhea) Casper, brothers-in-law and grandson Daniel.

Marilyn was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) with Parkinsonism presentations. While her illness was highly challenging, she endured it quietly and patiently. Her husband was her constant companion and caregiver with family members assisting. The family is grateful for the Amani Home for their loving care for her during her last couple of months.

The family thanks Barton Family Funeral Service for handling the arrangements. Opportunities to share remembrances will be made available at the funeral service, or you may please share a memory/message at:  https://bartonfuneral.com/ (Please submit comments below)

Funeral service:  Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11:00am

Location: Bellevue Stake Center chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 14536 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98007

Preceding the service, a viewing will be held 9:30-10:30am in the Relief Society Room (NE corner of the building).

Interment will be on Monday, April 11 at 10:00am at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.

Although flowers are always appreciated, the family encourages those who wish to donate a memorial to do so in Marilyn’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at:  https://www.lbda.org/donate/