Bev & Ron Noble would like to extend our sincere sympathy to George and Family. We were Pat & George's immediate neighbors until a couple of years ago. It was great fun watching Pat interact with all her animals, calling each one by name. She knew the family tree of each kid and never forgot it's name. Living most of her life in the city, it was surprising how quickly she grew to love the country life. Pat quickly learned everything there was to know about raising animals. George was the fix it man and soon converted their place from just a house in the country, to a shining example of small acreage ranching. Whenever Pat invited us to dinner, she always had an interesting mix of guests, yet we all seemed like a group of old friends. Pat will be forever missed.
Pat and I shared our grandchildren Grace & Nathan Copa. She will be immensely missed by all four of her grandchildren, her two children and their spouses, her husband, her mother, her brother and sisters, and all of her friends. I'm thankful for the times spent with Pat at family gatherings since Vince & Alicia met in 1996. I'm happy for the wonderful time the family had on the recent July 4th holiday spent in Minnesota and the family cabin in Wisconsin. Pat, thank you for touching so many lives, especially your family and friends. I'll keep your memory alive for Vince, Alicia, Grace and Nathan. My heart goes out to George, Anita, Vince & Alicia & Grace & Nathan, Kristin & Phil & Owen & Emma, Pat's brother & sisters and their families. You have my thoughts and prayers. Love, Karen Nielsen (Alicia Copa's mother)
Pat and I met through the Pygoras. Living in MN, I do not have access to many other Pygora people. When I joined the Pygora email group, Pat was the first to welcome me and answer my questions. That began a friendship that I cherish. Mostly through email and phone calls, but sometimes visiting Pat and George's farm and once when they came out to MN to our farm to deliver our babies, I came to know the warmth and caring and kindness that was Pat. I feel so privileged to be trusted with some of her precious goaties. The day I found out that she was gone, I was getting ready to email Pat and tell her that Snow was growing a beard and how happy i was about it (I adore goats with beards). Although I did not get a chance to tell her about Snow's beard, I know that she knows. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you George and your family. We will miss Pat greatly.
My relationship with Pat Copa began back in 2004, when I first inquired about the possibility of purchasing some of her exquisite Pygora goats. From that time on, she not only became my Pygora mentor, but also quickly became a loved and cherished friend, whose gentle, kind and modest wisdom and advice I often sought and deeply valued… and whose friendship I will forever miss. My husband Mike and I will always remember the good times shared with both Pat and George…at OFFF, theB&B Buck Show, on occasional visits to their farm, and on their visits to ours. It’s been both an honor and a privilege to have known and learned from Pat…she was a “one in a million” friend who always had time to listen, and whose fun sense of humor and smile I will never forget! I always looked forward to our next conversation, whether by e-mail, phone, or in person, and I still find myself down at the barn thinking, “Oh, Pat would get a kick out of that”, or “I need to ask Pat about…” Her passing is such a loss to both her family and her many friends. My sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with George and her entire family.
Pat and George became part of my extended family through the marriage of their daughter, Kristin, to my brother, Philip. It has been my good fortune to know Pat over the years and share occasional family gatherings with Pat and George, their children and now their grandchildren. I have fond memories of Pat showing my son, Ethan, her goats. Ethan remembers those times too. I also remember enjoyable family dinners with good food, wine, and lots of lively discussion with Pat and George, both well versed on many topics. Although we did not see each other that frequently, there was a sense of family which was valued and which will continue.
Kristin and I have had the pleasure of sharing our Mom stories over the years as two eldest daughters in our extended family. Kristin, I am so sorry. Our stories will change now, but they will go on.
My heart aches for all of you who miss Pat terribly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace be with you, Pat. You have left a wonderful legacy through your thoughts and deeds, and your beautiful family.
Carol Bentley extends her sympathy to George and the Copa and Murphy families. Pat was a very special person who always seemed to care about everyone and to have time for others regardless of what was going on in her life. She never seemed to ever show anger at anything or anyone but always saw a positive in everything.
I met Pat and George as the pet sitter for Erin when they first moved to their property in South Salem. I took care of the goats when they first got the first few and the llama. Over the years it was amazing to see how the herd grew and how involved Pat had become.
Pat was very special in that she included people into her life and had me over to dinner several times knowing my husband was ill and that I did not go many places. She just always seemed to know how to make a person feel good and included.
Pat had a zest for life and seemed to live her time to the fullest. She will be greatly missed.
To a wonderful family I wish the deepest condolence, We will miss Pat,One of a kind and will be forever glad to have known her. We shared many laughs when I let Kris drive for the first time. God bless you all and she will remain in many hearts forever.
Just logged in to the web site & was shocked & saddened by the news about Pat. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to George & the rest of the family. I first met Pat in 2004, when I attended a seminar about care of goats that she held at her house. I was getting ready to move to Arkansas & knew absolutely nothing. After the seminar, she introduced me to the wonderful Pygoras, and I was hooked. I bought three of them, & she & George delivered them to my little farm. Pat had tears in her eyes as she said goodbye to them. She was my rock when the goats all got out & were gone for a month. She even volunteered to fly out and help me look for them! When they miraculously were found, Pat encouraged me to write "Goat Trek" about their adventure. My favorite delivery was last year, when I met her & George in Kansas City. We spent the night there, & I was able to have dinner & breakfast with them, talking and catching up. That was the last time I saw her. I had lots of e-mails & phone calls, either in panic or to share baby pictures. Pat was always positive and supportive. She was one of the most genuine and caring people that I ever called a friend, and I will miss her terribly. Again, George, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Vince has been my good friend since high school, and Kristin was his cool big sister, whom I wanted to hang out with. We both lived in St. Anthony Park, in St. Paul, MN...(it's a special lifetime club we belong to). I always admired his parents because they seemed to have it all, and know it all...His mother, Pat was very kind to me. Honestly, Vince was about the only friend I had who's parents were still married. I always enjoyed being in their home...especially when we were ditching school...or on snow days..
(The Copas were so understanding). And they raised their children to be wise, kind, and loving people.
Kristin, Vince, and Mr. Copa, I am so sorry. I will never forget your mom. My family and I are thinking of you.
I wanted to let all of you know that the memorial service you designed for Pat was very meaningful. As the reality continues to wash over me, I cannot help but always return to the twinkle in her eyes and strong, strong passion for the things she believed in. I loved the remembrances yesterday—she will remain an inspiration for more people that we could ever count. Every butterfly I see will be Pat letting us know she is still teaching and providing inspiration.
To Pat's family, Although I haven't seen Pat for many years, I have fond memories of our shared days living in the Clovia House on the St. Paul campus. Pat seemed to always be smiling, offering a helping hand, and a true "sister" to all of us "Clover's". My sympathy to all of you who will miss her in a more personal way. Glenice (Rugland) Johnson
I was friends with Pat through the Pygora goats. I have to admit hearing of her accident hit me hard. But, at her memorial service, one of the butterflies lit next to my ear and whispered "chin up kiddo". I whispered back "thanks Pat".
In an effort to find my own little way to pay respects, I named one of my show rabbits Copa. http://www.goatmountainview.com/minirex.html I hadn't come up with a name for this friendly little fella until recently. His father's name is Murphy so Copa just seemed to fit for him. I name most of my rabbits Scottish names after my heritage. But, considering the McBroom family lived at Kilbride Donegore, County Antrim, I guess I can make an exception :) And, since I usually try to keep the baby names similar to their parents, it looks like a branch of my bunny tree will be Irish! This is my cheerful memorial to Pat.
The little guy reminds me of Pat too...small and cute as a button, sparkling eyes curious about everything, gregarious, and hopping all over the place. Shucks, I remember when I shared a booth with Pat at OFFF. That's where I learned about her energy level and how she could juggle a million things at once but still be gracious and kind. What a wonderful role model she was. I will dearly miss her.
I just read of Pat's passing...having only just met her,as she brought my 2 new "goatie boys" to me on her recent trip East...I am soooo sorry to learn this. She was warm and personal,even as we were just meeting. My thoughts are with the family. Debbie Rock Rock's Floral Faun,IL
I want to express my extreme sympathy to Pat's family. She will be missed. She was a good friend and mentor to me growing up.I grew up next door to her, and she always encouraged me in every part of my life. The other thing I loved about Pat was her talking to me about politics, even as a kid. It was a joy to have an intelligent conversation with a caring adult. I remember her taking me to see Walter Mondale on election eve of 1984. She also gave me a home away from home in Oregon for several years. I spent every Thanksgiving with the Copa's from 2000-2005 and they made me feel like one of the family. I was thankful to get to see and talk with Pat on July 4th this year. I will miss her.
Pat's contributions to the scholarly development of education for family life may not be known by her more recent friends. Her "cutting edge" thinking, writing and encouragement of the field was an inspiration for her colleagues at the University of Minnesota, the MN Dept. of Education and the thousands of family education secondary school teachers who enhanced their practice because of her leadership. I'm feeling cheated to not have known the "goat-raising-Pat". From the other notes, it sounds as if her stimulation of new fields was similar to her previous professional life. George, I'm so sorry her life was cut short. We are thinking of you.
My heart is saddened. Mrs. Copa was someone who I always respected and enjoyed. She made a difference in many good ways. I will always remember visiting the Copa home as a high school student and traveling between St. Paul and Madison, and her nature with young people. I’d like to express my deep sadness and condolences to the Copas and other family and say that my future memories will always produce a smile.
Matt & Donna Skinner would like to convey our most heartfelt condolences to the Copa family. We were stunned to learn of your loss just today when sifting through old email.
We, too, were the beneficiaries of a wealth of information Pat happily shared with us during our research into pygoras; steering us to a ranch she had supplied with goats for us to visit; guiding us to a breeder closer to our home; patiently offering advice to the many, many redundant and sometimes obvious questions of the novice goat owner; and most recently, suggesting us as possible breeders from whom others could purchase their goats. Sadly, we never had the opportunity to actually meet, but our lives were certainly touched and enriched from the contact we did have with her.
We are among those blessed to have shared even the smallest part of her and we thought you (her family and friends) might appreciate hearing so.
George,Kristin, Vince, and your families, I first knew Pat as "Kristin's mom". Pat and George always welcomed us as Kristin's friends. I still recall the party with the disco ball from the basement! Pat and George were great role models for us, especially those of us from divorced families. It wasn't until my senior year in college, that Pat became my professional mentor. Pat mentored me during my january interim from St. Olaf College. I observed many ECFE programs, which eventually led to teaching Family & Consumer Sciences. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am thankful for Pat and all the lives she has touched. You are all in my prayers as you will be missing Pat on this Thanksgiving holiday.
18 comments:
Bev & Ron Noble would like to extend our sincere sympathy to George and Family. We were Pat & George's immediate neighbors until a couple of years ago. It was great fun watching Pat interact with all her animals, calling each one by name. She knew the family tree of each kid and never forgot it's name. Living most of her life in the city, it was surprising how quickly she grew to love the country life. Pat quickly learned everything there was to know about raising animals. George was the fix it man and soon converted their place from just a house in the country, to a shining example of small acreage ranching. Whenever Pat invited us to dinner, she always had an interesting mix of guests, yet we all seemed like a group of old friends. Pat will be forever missed.
Pat and I shared our grandchildren Grace & Nathan Copa. She will be immensely missed by all four of her grandchildren, her two children and their spouses, her husband, her mother, her brother and sisters, and all of her friends.
I'm thankful for the times spent with Pat at family gatherings since Vince & Alicia met in 1996. I'm happy for the wonderful time the family had on the recent July 4th holiday spent in Minnesota and the family cabin in Wisconsin.
Pat, thank you for touching so many lives, especially your family and friends. I'll keep your memory alive for Vince, Alicia, Grace and Nathan.
My heart goes out to George, Anita, Vince & Alicia & Grace & Nathan, Kristin & Phil & Owen & Emma, Pat's brother & sisters and their families. You have my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Karen Nielsen (Alicia Copa's mother)
Pat and I met through the Pygoras. Living in MN, I do not have access to many other Pygora people. When I joined the Pygora email group, Pat was the first to welcome me and answer my questions. That began a friendship that I cherish. Mostly through email and phone calls, but sometimes visiting Pat and George's farm and once when they came out to MN to our farm to deliver our babies, I came to know the warmth and caring and kindness that was Pat. I feel so privileged to be trusted with some of her precious goaties. The day I found out that she was gone, I was getting ready to email Pat and tell her that Snow was growing a beard and how happy i was about it (I adore goats with beards). Although I did not get a chance to tell her about Snow's beard, I know that she knows. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you George and your family. We will miss Pat greatly.
My relationship with Pat Copa began back in 2004, when I first inquired about the possibility of purchasing some of her exquisite Pygora goats. From that time on, she not only became my Pygora mentor, but also quickly became a loved and cherished friend, whose gentle, kind and modest wisdom and advice I often sought and deeply valued… and whose friendship I will forever miss. My husband Mike and I will always remember the good times shared with both Pat and George…at OFFF, theB&B Buck Show, on occasional visits to their farm, and on their visits to ours. It’s been both an honor and a privilege to have known and learned from Pat…she was a “one in a million” friend who always had time to listen, and whose fun sense of humor and smile I will never forget!
I always looked forward to our next conversation, whether by e-mail, phone, or in person, and I still find myself down at the barn thinking, “Oh, Pat would get a kick out of that”, or “I need to ask Pat about…” Her passing is such a loss to both her family and her many friends. My sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with George and her entire family.
Laura Ableman
Pat and George became part of my extended family through the marriage of their daughter, Kristin, to my brother, Philip. It has been my good fortune to know Pat over the years and share occasional family gatherings with Pat and George, their children and now their grandchildren. I have fond memories of Pat showing my son, Ethan, her goats. Ethan remembers those times too. I also remember enjoyable family dinners with good food, wine, and lots of lively discussion with Pat and George, both well versed on many topics. Although we did not see each other that frequently, there was a sense of family which was valued and which will continue.
Kristin and I have had the pleasure of sharing our Mom stories over the years as two eldest daughters in our extended family. Kristin, I am so sorry. Our stories will change now, but they will go on.
My heart aches for all of you who miss Pat terribly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace be with you, Pat. You have left a wonderful legacy through your thoughts and deeds, and your beautiful family.
Carol Bentley extends her sympathy to George and the Copa and Murphy families. Pat was a very special person who always seemed to care about everyone and to have time for others regardless of what was going on in her life. She never seemed to ever show anger at anything or anyone but always saw a positive in everything.
I met Pat and George as the pet sitter for Erin when they first moved to their property in South Salem. I took care of the goats when they first got the first few and the llama. Over the years it was amazing to see how the herd grew and how involved Pat had become.
Pat was very special in that she included people into her life and had me over to dinner several times knowing my husband was ill and that I did not go many places. She just always seemed to know how to make a person feel good and included.
Pat had a zest for life and seemed to live her time to the fullest. She will be greatly missed.
To a wonderful family I wish the deepest condolence, We will miss Pat,One of a kind and will be forever glad to have known her. We shared many laughs when I let Kris drive for the first time. God bless you all and she will remain in many hearts forever.
Just logged in to the web site & was shocked & saddened by the news about Pat. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to George & the rest of the family. I first met Pat in 2004, when I attended a seminar about care of goats that she held at her house. I was getting ready to move to Arkansas & knew absolutely nothing. After the seminar, she introduced me to the wonderful Pygoras, and I was hooked. I bought three of them, & she & George delivered them to my little farm. Pat had tears in her eyes as she said goodbye to them. She was my rock when the goats all got out & were gone for a month. She even volunteered to fly out and help me look for them! When they miraculously were found, Pat encouraged me to write "Goat Trek" about their adventure. My favorite delivery was last year, when I met her & George in Kansas City. We spent the night there, & I was able to have dinner & breakfast with them, talking and catching up. That was the last time I saw her. I had lots of e-mails & phone calls, either in panic or to share baby pictures. Pat was always positive and supportive. She was one of the most genuine and caring people that I ever called a friend, and I will miss her terribly. Again, George, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Vince has been my good friend since high school, and Kristin was his cool big sister, whom I wanted to hang out with. We both lived in St. Anthony Park, in St. Paul, MN...(it's a special lifetime club we belong to).
I always admired his parents because they seemed to have it all, and know it all...His mother, Pat was very kind to me. Honestly, Vince was about the only friend I had who's parents were still married.
I always enjoyed being in their home...especially when we were ditching school...or on snow days..
(The Copas were so understanding). And they raised their children to be wise, kind, and loving people.
Kristin, Vince, and Mr. Copa, I am so sorry. I will never forget your mom. My family and I are thinking of you.
Neza Shuster Guevara
Hi George and Family,
I wanted to let all of you know that the memorial service you designed for Pat was very meaningful. As the reality continues to wash over me, I cannot help but always return to the twinkle in her eyes and strong, strong passion for the things she believed in. I loved the remembrances yesterday—she will remain an inspiration for more people that we could ever count. Every butterfly I see will be Pat letting us know she is still teaching and providing inspiration.
Hugs,
Susan
To Pat's family,
Although I haven't seen Pat for many years, I have fond memories of our shared days living in the Clovia House on the St. Paul campus. Pat seemed to always be smiling, offering a helping hand, and a true "sister" to all of us "Clover's". My sympathy to all of you who will miss her in a more personal way.
Glenice (Rugland) Johnson
I was friends with Pat through the Pygora goats. I have to admit hearing of her accident hit me hard. But, at her memorial service, one of the butterflies lit next to my ear and whispered "chin up kiddo". I whispered back "thanks Pat".
In an effort to find my own little way to pay respects, I named one of my show rabbits Copa.
http://www.goatmountainview.com/minirex.html
I hadn't come up with a name for this friendly little fella until recently. His father's name is Murphy so Copa just seemed to fit for him. I name most of my rabbits Scottish names after my heritage. But, considering the McBroom family lived at Kilbride Donegore, County Antrim, I guess I can make an exception :) And, since I usually try to keep the baby names similar to their parents, it looks like a branch of my bunny tree will be Irish! This is my cheerful memorial to Pat.
The little guy reminds me of Pat too...small and cute as a button, sparkling eyes curious about everything, gregarious, and hopping all over the place. Shucks, I remember when I shared a booth with Pat at OFFF. That's where I learned about her energy level and how she could juggle a million things at once but still be gracious and kind. What a wonderful role model she was. I will dearly miss her.
Melinda Joy Weer
Goat Mountain View Farm
I just read of Pat's passing...having only just met her,as she brought my 2 new "goatie boys" to me on her recent trip East...I am soooo sorry to learn this. She was warm and personal,even as we were just meeting. My thoughts are with the family.
Debbie Rock
Rock's Floral Faun,IL
I want to express my extreme sympathy to Pat's family. She will be missed. She was a good friend and mentor to me growing up.I grew up next door to her, and she always encouraged me in every part of my life. The other thing I loved about Pat was her talking to me about politics, even as a kid. It was a joy to have an intelligent conversation with a caring adult. I remember her taking me to see Walter Mondale on election eve of 1984. She also gave me a home away from home in Oregon for several years. I spent every Thanksgiving with the Copa's from 2000-2005 and they made me feel like one of the family. I was thankful to get to see and talk with Pat on July 4th this year. I will miss her.
Wade Peterson
Pat's contributions to the scholarly development of education for family life may not be known by her more recent friends. Her "cutting edge" thinking, writing and encouragement of the field was an inspiration for her colleagues at the University of Minnesota, the MN Dept. of Education and the thousands of family education secondary school teachers who enhanced their practice because of her leadership. I'm feeling cheated to not have known the "goat-raising-Pat". From the other notes, it sounds as if her stimulation of new fields was similar to her previous professional life. George, I'm so sorry her life was cut short. We are thinking of you.
Marty and Jack Rossmann
My heart is saddened. Mrs. Copa was someone who I always respected and enjoyed. She made a difference in many good ways. I will always remember visiting the Copa home as a high school student and traveling between St. Paul and Madison, and her nature with young people. I’d like to express my deep sadness and condolences to the Copas and other family and say that my future memories will always produce a smile.
Matt & Donna Skinner would like to convey our most heartfelt condolences to the Copa family. We were stunned to learn of your loss just today when sifting through old email.
We, too, were the beneficiaries of a wealth of information Pat happily shared with us during our research into pygoras; steering us to a ranch she had supplied with goats for us to visit; guiding us to a breeder closer to our home; patiently offering advice to the many, many redundant and sometimes obvious questions of the novice goat owner; and most recently, suggesting us as possible breeders from whom others could purchase their goats. Sadly, we never had the opportunity to actually meet, but our lives were certainly touched and enriched from the contact we did have with her.
We are among those blessed to have shared even the smallest part of her and we thought you (her family and friends) might appreciate hearing so.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
George,Kristin, Vince, and your families,
I first knew Pat as "Kristin's mom". Pat and George always welcomed us as Kristin's friends. I still recall the party with the disco ball from the basement! Pat and George were great role models for us, especially those of us from divorced families. It wasn't until my senior year in college, that Pat became my professional mentor. Pat mentored me during my january interim from St. Olaf College. I observed many ECFE programs, which eventually led to teaching Family & Consumer Sciences. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am thankful for Pat and all the lives she has touched. You are all in my prayers as you will be missing Pat on this Thanksgiving holiday.
Amy Lundell
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