Heleena Lola A. Koppermann

Waterford- Heleena “Lola” Koppermann passed away peacefully on November 8, 2012, at Greentree Manor in Waterford after a long illness with her loving children by her side. It was her 67th wedding anniversary and she is now rejoicing to be reunited with her beloved husband who left this earth 13 years ago.

She was born in Rakvere, Estonia, in 1920, the daughter of the late Leonid and Julia Alexeyev. Her childhood years in Estonia were filled with happy memories until the occupation of her homeland by the Soviets during WWII. At that time, Heleena and her future husband Gunnar managed to flee the Communists and found refuge in Germany, where they were married. In 1949, they were blessed to be able to immigrate to the United States where they became proud citizens and remained for the rest of their lives.

Heleena lived in Torrington, CT for 35 years working at the Warner Theater for many years and then as a bookkeeper for Mencuccini’s Supermarket. After her retirement, she and her husband moved to Uncasville to be close to their children and grandchildren. Heleena loved little children and she spent many joyful hours reading to first graders as a volunteer at Mohegan School in Uncasville. She was also a member of the Montville Senior Center and participated in their many activities for years.

She dedicated her life to raising her children and later helping raise her grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than playing with them, taking them on excursions, and most of all, teaching them life’s lessons. She always felt it was a mother’s job to be her child’s first teacher and she taught her children everything from how to say the Lord’s Prayer to balancing their checkbooks. She was a strong believer in a good education and was a staunch supporter of her children’s schools and teachers, serving as a PTA President for many years. She was also a feminist before it was fashionable to be one. Despite keeping an organized home and preparing three meals a day for her family, she always had a career outside the home, believing that women should be strong and independent.

Heleena lived the last 17 months of her life at Greentree Manor in Waterford, where she was cared for with loving kindness, respect, and dignity by the entire staff. Her family will be forever grateful for the love they gave her as she made the final stage of her long journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. The family also thanks Masonicare Hospice for their care.

Heleena is survived by her daughter Tiiu (Koppermann)Propfe and her husband Gerdt Propfe of Uncasville, and her son Thomas Koppermann and his wife Georganna of Westerly, RI. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Erich, Clinton, and Alex Propfe, and Lani and Lea Koppermann. Her husband Gunnar Koppermann and her sister, Lydia Ardla, predeceased her.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 with a request that the money go toward research.

A memorial service will be held on November 20 at 11:00 am at St.Luke Lutheran Church, Gales Ferry, CT. Friends and family are welcome.

Please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence for her family.

The Montville Funeral Home Church and Allen is assisting the family with arrangements.