Memorials › Roberta M. Copenhaver

Roberta M. Copenhaver

17 Jun 1912 – 13 Sep 2015

Birth17 Jun 1912
Death13 Sep 2015
Added byHDR on 28 Mar 2016
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/160116529

Bio

Roberta M. Copenhaver age 103, passed away Sunday September 13, 2015 at the Hermitage in Roanoke, VA. Ms. Copenhaver was born in Marion on June 17, 1912, the daughter of Robert M Copenhaver, Sr., and Martha Matilda Kelly Copenhaver. She was the youngest of eight children all whom predeceased her. In 1927, when Roberta was 15 years old, a visit with her sister, Martha, provided her with an experience which determined her career path. That of social work. She attended The College of William & Mary for two years. She attended a special course in the School for Social Work of the Richmond Professional Institute, a division of William & Mary. Later she completed a B.S. Degree from the Institute and then a Master of Social Science Degree from the Smith College School for Social Work in Northhampton, Massachusetts. In 1957, she returned to the Smith College School for Social Work for a program for advanced studies. Roberta began her career as a Farm Referral Work in the 1930’s. After she completed the special course at RPI she became a social worker for the Southwestern State Hospital. Upon completing both her Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees, she was on the staff of the Northern New Jersey Mental Hygiene Clinics. At the end of WWII she became the Supervisor of Psychiatric Social Service for Virginia. Following her time with the Program for Advanced Studies, she worked for the Down River Family Service Agency just south of Detroit. In 1963 she went to Community Service Society in New York City. Her last two positions were with the Haverford State Hospital near Philadelphia, and Dixmont State Hospital. Roberta was an avid traveler having been to many sights across the country. She made several trips to England, and one to Russia. She once said she always wanted to ride a camel, so where else to go, but Egypt! The family has a picture of her on top of a camel wearing her very proper suit and high heels. Saturday June 16, 2012 was proclaimed by the Mayor of Roanoke as Roberta M. Copenhaver Day in celebration of her 100th birthday on June 17, 2012. She is survived by, her nephews; F. Joseph Copenhaver, Jr. (Karen) of Marion, Julian V. Copenhaver, Jr. (Barbara) formerly of Marion, niece; Lucile Stinson (Ed) also formerly of Marion, cousin Kitty Kelly Coxe Koomen, of Brandon Oaks in Roanoke, and numerous other nieces and nephews spanning four generations. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday November 7, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Marion with Reverend David Woody & Reverend John Graham officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 in the fellowship hall of the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Copenhaver family.

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