Peggy Jean Coppess

On January 3rd Peggy Jean Coppess (Cooley) leapt into the heavenly arms of her sister Marilyn and her mother and father. Peggy was born October 10th, 1947 in Hastings, MI. She grew up with her Dinol (younger sister Marilyn) and her older brother Don. She graduated in one of the first classes from Lakewood High school and went on to earn a teaching degree from Western Michigan University. Peggy served in the Discovery Division of the State Treasury Department and retired in 2005. Most importantly Peggy had a deep, abiding faith in Christ.

Peggy spent a lifetime imparting a rich legacy of faith, wisdom, humor, and love to her children, grandchildren and many others. She shared her love through a generous giving spirit and selfless acts of service. Peggy never refused to share her culinary gifts, preparing personal favorites upon request. For example, “Grandma Coppess Nachos” were constantly in high demand as their legend spread around the state and beyond. She always acquiesced to the desires of others, even changing the channel from her beloved Hallmark movies so her sons and grandsons could watch football. Peggy also created a special bond with her son-in-law and daughters-in-law who often remarked how they were so blessed to have Peggy as their “Ma.”

Her grandchildren, consistently repeated her scripture-based wisdom, “tis better to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” They would laugh when she playfully would threaten to “take away a present” if they pretended to misbehave. She loved her “tootsyous” (grandchildren) dearly and smothered them with love and affection. Her mantra to them was never far from her lips, “Grandma loves you always.”

Peggy was preceded heavenward by her father Edward Cooley, her mother Susie Cooley (Casillas), and sister Marilyn Flessner. She is survived by her brother Don Cooley (Sue), her brother-in-law Rob Flesner, her oldest son C. Matthew Coppess (Jodi), her son JonMichael Coppess (Becky), her daughter Emily Hakes (Joshua), nine grandchildren – Jacob, Cristin, Mackenzie, Callen, Zachary, Aubrie, Marynn, Charlotte, and Owen. She is also survived by a host of cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held later this Spring. Peggy’s son Pastor C. Matthew Coppess will officiate.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending gifts to the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation, https://www.loeysdietz.org/.