Susan Churchill Copland

Susan Churchill Copland, 93, of Okemos, Michigan, died on February 21, 2016. She was born September 26, 1922 in Detroit, MI, to William & Marguerite Churchill. She is survived by son Robin (Cindy), son William (Liz), granddaughter Eryn (Matt) McDonald, and step-grandchildren Cere Carrington, Jennifer (Jesse) Lothamer, and Kathrine Kelley. She was predeceased in 2011 by her husband of 66 years, Robert J. Copland. Sue grew up in Detroit, graduating from Cooley High School in 1940 and Wayne University in 1944. She married Robert Copland on August 8, 1945. After the war, they relocated to the Lansing area. She taught physical education and coached swimming and track at Lansing’s Pattengill Jr. High from 1954-1983. Adventurous and athletic from an early age, Sue was All-City in field hockey, and was on the swimming and tennis teams in high school. In later years, she enjoyed canoeing, kayaking, skiing, rollerblading, and ice skating well into her 80s. She was a 30-year member of the Lansing Ladies Silver Blades figure skating club. She was active at Haslett Community Church and delivered meals to East Lansing area residents for many years. Both Sue and Bob were well known in nature and outdoor education circles for their knowledge of and enthusiasm for nature, especially trees, wildflowers, and birds. They led many a nature walk both in the Lansing area and on their beloved Grand Island on Grand Lake near Alpena. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 on Thursday, February 25, at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Haslett Community Church, 1427 Haslett Rd, Haslett, MI 48840.