Gena Coppedge VanOsselaer

Gena Coppedge VanOsselaer, age 57, passed Friday evening, September 25, 2015, surrounded by her husband and two children. Gena was preceded in death by her mother, Melvia Jo Coppedge and is survived by her husband, Tom and their two children, Tory and Trevor; her sister Sheri Coppedge; father and his wife, Gene and Kathy Coppedge; niece Wendy Riddlemoser; brother- and sister-in-law Paul Van Osselaer and Jewel Arrington; niece and nephew Leigh and Andrew Van Osselaer.

Gena was born on July 24, 1958, in Dallas, Texas where she attended Lake Highlands High School and continued on to study at UT Austin where she received her Bachelor of Arts and MBA. She worked with IBM for almost 19 years before realizing that her true interests lie in making a difference in the lives of others. She then became the Executive Director of Austin Children’s Shelter for over 8 years, helping abused and neglected children. She dedicated her life to helping others, significantly increasing visibility and community support, taking the organization to new heights.

She then moved on to be the Development Director of the Dell Children’s Medical Center Foundation, raising money to support new projects and expanding the quality of care for Central Texas children. Her most recent passion was her position as Program Manager for Mike’s Place at Meals on Wheels and More where her focus was assisting seniors with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. One of her recent accomplishments was earning her purple belt in July in Ichikan Aikido, a martial art to which she dedicated impressive time and energy, proving to herself that she could do anything she set her mind to.

Gena was a beloved mother, wife, and dear friend to hundreds, if not thousands. She was taken from us far too soon and we will all remember her positive outlook, friendly personality, and deep commitment to helping others.

In lieu of flowers, Gena would like memorial donations made in her name to Meals on Wheels and More, www.mealsonwheelsandmore.org , Austin Pets Alive www.austinpetsalive.org or a charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held, Wednesday, September 30, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 5226 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.