Sara M. Copi

Sara Marie Copi (Durliat) passed peacefully on April 19, 2017 at her home in Livonia, Michigan, a community that she called home for over 40 years. She was born on December 17, 1942 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Floyd and Hilda (Foos) Durliat and spent most of her childhood on the family farm in Custar, Ohio. She participated in countless county and state fairs through 4-H as a child and teenager, earning many awards, especially in sewing. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Manse College in 1964 and briefly taught kindergarten in Monroe, MI. On August 12, 1966, she married James J. Copi and soon after began a family. Sara was always involved with the community, even when she had 10 children at home. She held many titles; outside of being a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, Sara often stepped in to volunteer her time and become a den mother, school photographer at St. Michael School, and even popcorn colonel for the local Boy Scouts. She was a tireless volunteer for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and guided each of her 7 sons to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Even after her sons had outgrown Boy Scouts, Sara still volunteered her time to the organization, as she felt so strongly about its message. She was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver award in 1994 to honor the countless hours she devoted to the organization that she respected so highly, an award that both Sara and her family cherished.

She and her family dealt with the effects of Alzheimer’s for the past 10 years and are grateful to the many kind doctors, caregivers, and volunteers that made her stay at home possible and long-lasting. A special thank you to Denise, who assisted with her care for over 5 years.

Sara is survived by her husband of 50 years, James J. Copi, and her children: Sherri (Eric) Smith, Livonia, MI; Craig Copi, Cleveland Heights, OH; Keith (Angela) Copi, Richmond, VA; Gary Copi, Livonia, MI; Douglas (Sarah) Copi, New Hudson, MI; Janene (Andrew) Kummer, South Lyon, MI; Scott Copi, Livonia, MI; Kristi (Troy) Wilmott, Milford, MI; Ryan (Steven) Copi, Chicago, IL; and Todd Copi, Shorewood, IL. Also left to mourn her passing are her 14 grandchildren (Rachel, Nick, Jessica, Justin, Owen, Alex, Jonas, Kate, Ella, John, Adam, Felix, Ryder, Rylee) and 4 sisters.

Viewing is at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152 on Sunday, April 23, 2017 between 4 PM and 8 PM, with a rosary at 7 PM. A funeral mass will take place at St. Michael Catholic Church, 11441 Hubbard, Livonia, MI 48150, on Monday, April 24, 2017, where she will lie in state starting at 10 AM until the funeral mass begins at 10:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.