Janet Lee Copeland

Jan was born in the middle of two sisters to Rosalie and Victor Dosing in Springfield, Missouri on May 1st, 1939. As a child she loved her May Day birthday and fondly remembered dancing around the Maypole with flowers and streamers.

Her happy childhood experienced tragedy on Pearl Harbor Day, 1941 when her father, a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer, made the ultimate sacrifice. Victor was shot and killed in the line of duty that Sunday afternoon in Springfield. She was only 2 1/2 years old and spent her remaining childhood years growing up with big sister, Joann and little sister, Vicki under the care of their mother and Grandmother Settle. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D always held a special place in Jan’s heart.

She married her high school sweetheart, Don Copeland, soon after her senior year from the first graduating class at Parkview High School in Springfield, Missouri. She loved being a devoted wife and mother to two daughters, Lynn and Jill.

Jan also worked in several volunteer positions with Springfield Jaycees, the Candy Stripers at St. John’s Hospital, and helping troubled teenage girls. She was an active mom and busy with her girl’s schools and activities. She also played tennis, was in bridge and bunko groups, as well as an active member of her finance and art club. Jan worked as manager of Ozark World Travel for 30 years and was passionate about her world travels visiting many different countries and continents.

About 10 years ago Jan was diagnosed with vascular dementia which resulted in a progressive form called Lewy Body Dementia. It’s a tough disease and Jan sure had her share of suffering. This trial took its toll but we have come to understand our mother’s dementia as a way for her to be united to the suffering of Christ. We believe our loved ones with dementia have been entrusted with a mission from God and this powerful mission can help Jesus save souls.

Jan was a baptized person and actually had her Baptism renewed and was given the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Prairie Village, Kansas where she attended Mass each week with her daughter, Lynn and Terry in Kansas City where she lived since May 2022. At Mass, she was open to God’s grace in a beautiful and moving manner. Her voice sang out to God in prayer filling us with reverence for hidden souls like hers who suffer much with this disease yet work to fulfill a mission for God. Her favorite prayer was The Our Father.

Prior to the two years in Kansas City, Jan and Don lived down at Table Rock Lake with daughter, Jill and Kevin Hite. They shared many special memories and are so thankful for that time together.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Don last September, and her sister, Joann. She is survived by her sister, Vicki and two daughters, Lynn O’Leary (Terry), and Jill Hite (Kevin); and their 7 grandchildren: Ryan O’Leary (Maddy), Brendon O’Leary (Jackie), Thomas (Whitney), Mary, (Kevin Jacobs), Amy O’Leary and (fiancé RJ Trowbridge); Philip Hite, and Andrew Hite (and fiancé Kenzie Robbins); and 6 great-grandchildren; Mason, Henry, Walker, George, Samuel, and Jameson.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3555 S. Fremont Avenue in Springfield, Missouri at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 13th with burial service following at Maple Park Cemetery, 300 West Grand Street, Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: The MASTERS; (Missouri Association State Trooper’s Emergency Relief Society) 780 County Rd 383, Whitewater, MO 63785; Website: themastersmo.org

We extend our love, prayers, and gratitude to the caring staff at The Village at Mission and Monarch Hospice for their support and loving care for our dear mother, Jan.