Mary Nell Kopesec

Mary lived a life that was uniquely her own. She began as a cosmetologist and later became a pioneer for women in circuit-board technology and engineering, building a career of more than 25 years with one of the nation’s largest broadcast television companies. At a time when few women occupied those spaces, Mary quietly made her place among them.

And then there was martial arts. For nearly 30 years, Mary practiced, studied, and taught, ultimately earning the extraordinary rank of 6th Dan Black Belt and Master. She taught countless students, mentored black belts, and gave her time to women’s self-defense seminars. What she taught went far beyond technique. She taught people to trust their strength, stand firmly in who they were, and know that they were capable of more than they imagined.

For all she accomplished, Mary’s greatest devotion was always to people. She adored her family- from her 3 daughters and her 53 year marriage, her 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, but especially her 6 sisters. Their lifelong bond; full of loyalty, strength, laughter, and love—showed the generations after them what family could be.

Mary loved looking toward the clouds. Perhaps that is where we will find her now. Not in one particular sunrise or silver lining, but in those moments when we instinctively look up and wish we could tell her something one more time.

Mary leaves behind far more than a list of accomplishments. She leaves pieces of herself in the people she taught, the women she empowered, the family she loved, and the generations who will tell her stories.

She spent a lifetime showing us what strength looked like. In the end, she showed us that it could also look like love.

Mary’s services will be held at Valley View Memorial Park

Wednesday, 9/30/26

Viewing 11AM

Celebration of Life 12pm

Graveside 1pm

4335 W 4100 S

West Valley, Utah 84120