Cumberland - Virginia R. Copp, 85, longtime resident of Cumberland, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 25, 2012, with her family by her side. Virginia was born on August 31, 1927 in Linneus, Maine. She was the youngest of eight children born to the late Olen and Lucy (Crane) Malone. She moved to Cumberland at age 12, and there met the love of her life, Clayton H Copp, Sr. They married on January 8, 1944.
Together, Virginia and Clayton worked on various business ventures before establishing Copp & Sons Building Movers in 1956. Virginia’s hard work and support of her husband and sons helped to build one of the largest and well-known building moving companies in New England. Virginia remained active in the business throughout her life, riding to jobs with her son Clayton after she was no longer able to drive. She was never afraid to let people know she was the boss; she was the true matriarch of her family.
She taught her children the value of hard work through her own example, often spending entire days working alongside them. Virginia loved taking care of her family, and enjoyed cooking for them. Her homemade pies, donuts, and biscuits were prepared by her expert hands, never by a recipe. She cooked every day… and especially loved preparing large breakfasts for “her boys” before their work day began. She always had coffee ready, and welcomed many visitors. There was always room for one more person at her table, and time for one last cup of coffee. She was “Gram” to all who knew her.
Virginia was highly devoted to her faith, and helped to establish the Pentecostal Church on Morrison’s Hill in Cumberland. She attended services regularly, and carried her faith into her everyday life. One of her great joys was listening to her daughter sing hymns both at church and at home.
Virginia traveled extensively with her husband and their children, driving from Maine to California and Florida. Eventually, they established a second home in St. Cloud, FL where they enjoyed bringing their kids and grandkids. Virginia also enjoyed her camp on Forest Lake in Maine. She loved having her family gather there every Sunday afternoon, and for their yearly Fourth of July celebration.
Besides her husband, Virginia is predeceased by her five brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her three sons, Bert Copp and wife Diana, Clayton Copp Jr. and wife Lucy, Clifton Copp and wife Lorna, all of Cumberland; her daughter, Brenda Kuntz and husband Mark of Cumberland; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a large extended family.
A graveside service will be held in the spring. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to share your condolences, memories and tributes with her family.
In lieu of flowers, the Copp Family requests donations are made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Maine at www.alz.org/maine, or by mail to 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.
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