Karen Anne (Hancock) Copeland

Karen Anne Copeland (nee Hancock)

Feb. 9th, 1936 - January 20th, 2026

On Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, the world grew dimmer with the loss of the bright light of Karen Anne Copeland (nee Hancock) beloved wife to Keith and cherished mother to daughter Kelly, son Kirby, daughter-in-law Penny, daughter Kami and son-in-law Craig. She also leaves behind her grandchildren; Kayla, Kain, Sammy, Nicholas, Grace, Kain’s partner Shannon, Nick ‘s wife Jaclyn, Kayla ‘s partner Kyle, Grace’s partner Kamen, her great grandchildren Parker and Tatiana, also her brothers Gerry, his wife Betsy, Jim and wife Arlene. She is preceded in death by her granddaughter Cymbeline.

Karen was born in Carrot River, Saskatchewan on February 9th, 1936, and met her husband Keith in high school (PCI) in Portage la Prairie, where they began a 75-year love affair, with 68 years of marriage. They moved to Winnipeg where Karen gave birth to Kelly and Kirby, then Keith’s work (MTS) took them to the town of Ashern in 1963 where Kami was born and where they lived for 11 years. She ran the figure skating club and the Ashern majorettes. Between sewing costumes and organizing carnivals and parades, she found time to be a 4-H leader. Keith’s job took the family back to Winnipeg and four years later Keith took a job in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they lived for two years and travelled the world and had the time of their lives. Then, back to Winnipeg and nine years later, they did a two-year stint in Ottawa. Just after retirement, they built their dream house on Lake Winnipeg just outside of the town of Gimli.

Once their grandchildren were grown, Karen and Keith returned to Portage la Prairie, where they spent many happy years. Karen was socially outgoing and had meaningful friendships that lasted her a lifetime. Karen was an accomplished seamstress, baker, paper tole artist and homemaker. Karen loved to skate, bike ride, ski, swim, golf and travel. Her children will always cherish their memories of the cozy and creative home she made for them. Her children joke that even if lost in the woods armed with just a paper bag and a stick, she could probably make a comfortable place to live.

As per her request, there will be no formal funeral.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage la Prairie, MB.

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