Ann Marie Koppers

Ann was born on March 4, 1944, to Bill and Peg Guilfoyle in Omaha, Nebraska. She grew up with her sisters, Kathleen and Trish, and doting stepfather, Joe Helmann, after her father’s passing. She attended St. Cecilia’s elementary and high school in Hastings, Nebraska, and later St. Catherine’s School of Nursing in Omaha. She went on to work as a registered nurse in intensive care. Later in life, Ann became a licensed realtor, where she enjoyed helping people find homes of their own. Whether caring for patients or guiding families through an important new chapter, her warmth, confidence, and natural ability to connect with people were hallmarks of Ann throughout her life.

Ann married Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Koppers and made Kansas City their home. Their marriage was one of devotion and companionship. Together they raised three sons, Bill, Chris, and Danny, and built a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and tradition, with more than a few marvelous trips along the way. They were dedicated supporters of Curé of Ars Catholic Parish, Rockhurst High School, and the Library Guild at Rockhurst College and devoted much of their time and care to Larry’s patients through his endocrinology practice.

Ann was immensely proud of her three sons. Bill was a steadfast presence throughout her life, caring for both Ann and Danny with extraordinary devotion. She admired Chris’s magnetic personality, generosity, and gift for friendship, and she shared a particularly close bond with Danny, who became her daily companion in the years following Larry’s death. Ann endured the heartbreaking losses of Larry, Chris, and Danny, but their memories and the love they shared remained an enduring part of her life.

Her family grew to include her beloved daughter-in-law, Missy; four granddaughters, Nikki, Brittany, Kameron, and Melissa; and, in her later years, great-grandchildren Jack and Sophie Klug. Her family was her greatest source of pride, and few conversations with Ann went long without mention of them.

Ann had an extraordinary gift for friendship and hospitality. She was always put together, with her hair done and eyelashes on, no matter the occasion. Whether hosting her annual Thanksgiving celebration, meeting “the girls” for lunch, or holding court at Stratford Commons, she loved being surrounded by people. Her friendships spanned decades and generations, and her warmth, smile, and unmistakable presence made others feel immediately welcome.

Despite tremendous loss, Ann never lost her interest in others or her capacity for joy. She remained unmistakably herself, quick to laugh, eager to visit, and always wanting to know how everyone else was doing. She will be remembered for her devotion to family, enduring friendships, deep faith, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Ann is survived by her sisters, Kathleen (Brian) Brady and Trish (Mike) Sullivan; her son, Bill (Missy) Koppers; her granddaughters, Nikki, Brittany (Jonah Klug), Kameron, and Melissa; and her great-grandchildren, Jack and Sophie Klug.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peg Helmann (née Guilfoyle), Bill Guilfoyle, and Joe Helmann, her husband, Larry, and her sons, Chris and Danny.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, KS on Monday, September 21st at 11:00 am. A Rosary is planned for 10:15 am before the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Curé of Ars Catholic Church or Purple Pals at https://www.purplepals.org/donate.