Born on January 21, 1940, in Delcambre, Lucrese, affectionately known as "Lou," was the oldest of four children born to the late John C.D. Saunier and the late Alice Saunier. Raised in a family steeped in Cajun heritage, Lou learned the values of hard work, kindness, and respect from an early age.
In her younger years, Lou worked on Avery Island, picking peppers, before continuing her education in business school in Fort Worth, Texas. She later enlisted in the United States Air Force, where she met the love of her life, Charlie F. Copeland. The two married and built a beautiful family together, welcoming their children, Allen, Julie, and Karen. While Charlie served in the military, Lou dedicated herself to her most important role: mother and homemaker.
Lou also had a fulfilling career outside the home. She worked in management with Hancock Fabrics for over 17 years before retiring prior to the store closures. Lou had many passions, including sewing (often making clothes for her children), gardening, and caring for her beloved pets. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, spoiling them with love and creating lasting memories.
Lou will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Allen Copeland and wife Connie, and Julie Copeland; her grandchildren, Steven Parker, Melissa Lombas Trahan (Tyler), and Paul Lombas; her great-grandchildren, Joshua Parker, Caleb Parker, Victoria Parker, Alyssa Vaughn, Maddox Dunbar, Liliana Dunbar, Owen Trahan, Amelia Trahan, and Zane Trahan.
Along with her parents, Lou is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie F. Copeland; her daughter, Karen Copeland; her grandson, Jeremy Vaughn; and her siblings, John Morris Saunier, Neal "Puppy" Saunier, and Florence S. Lombas.
Graveside services celebrating Lou’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Holy Family Mausoleum, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.
Serving as pallbearers are Allen Copeland, Steven Parker, Paul Lombas, Tyler Trahan, Lionel Leger, and Gerald Guidry.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences at Lou’s memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
