Patricia Copeland

It is with great sadness that Patricia (Pat) Copeland's family announces her passing Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Pat was a loved and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Pat was born in 1946, the middle of three sisters to parents Joseph and Mary. Growing up in Ohio, Pat loved cooking family meals with her mother and listening to music with her sisters. As a young woman, Pat began to write original poetry. She continued to pursue creative writing while at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1969 with a concentration in English and History.

Pat fell in love with Anna Maria Island when she wed her husband of 50 years, Doug Copeland, at the groom's family home near Bean Point. Doug and Pat moved to Anna Maria in 1974 and immediately made it their home. Pat followed her passion for writing and began working as a reporter and editor for local newspapers and publications. She spent her professional career writing the history of Anna Maria every week. Pat was a common fixture at local city council, school, and fire commission

meetings. She won numerous awards from the Florida Press Association and the Florida Press Club, including a special award for series and several special awards for news reporting. Pat's deep love of the island was evident in her dedication and commitment to community service. In 1990 she co-founded The Anna Maria Island Historical Society; in her tenure, she served in many positions, including Director Emeritus, board member, recording secretary, and archivist. She loved the rich history of Anna Maria Island and worked tirelessly to help preserve it for visitors and locals alike. The island loved her back with several awards, including 1995’s honored citizen by the City of Anna Maria, a special recognition award for community service and journalism from the West Manatee Fire Department in 2016, and the 2017 Anna Maria

Citizen of the Year. Pat offered her love and encouragement to all around her, creating an extended family for anyone in need of a place to call home. She was grateful to raise her family in Anna Maria’s close-knit community. As a mother, she was always full of laughter and smiles, never afraid to goof around, dress up or act a fool to create  a lasting memory with her family. She gave her daughters the joy of cooking and used her love of food to bring the family together around the table every night. Pat was truly overjoyed to be a grandmother and watch the kids swim in thepool, and she was always happy to play a game, offer encouragement or sit back and marvel

their exploration of the world around them. Dearest Mom, we will always raise our glasses to you and say "salute and happy days."

Patricia's memory will be forever treasured by her husband, Doug Copeland; daughters, Layla Copeland (Kevin Griffith) and Dr. Anna Maria Copeland (Dr. Norris Nolan III); her adoring grandchildren, Lily Nolan, George Griffith, and Louis Griffith; her sisters, Anna Hayden, and Marilyn Beck, and her extended family and friends. She leaves a legacy of compassion, selflessness, and community spirit that will continue to inspire and uplift those fortunate enough to know her.

A public memorial service will be announced later, where friends and family will come together to celebrate Patricia's remarkable life. In honor of Patricia's passion for community service, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Pat Copeland Scholarship Fund, which was close to her heart. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society: P.O Box 4315, Anna Maria, Florida 34216 As we bid farewell to Patricia Copeland, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will forever reside in the hearts of those she touched. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory be a guiding light for all of us.

Rest in peace, dear Pat. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on.