AUDREY MARIAN KOPACHENA

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AUDREY MARIAN KOPACHENA

With sadness we announce the passing of Audrey Marian (Peebles) Kopachena on April 8, 2023.

She was predeceased by her husband George, and sister June (Ernest). She is survived by her brother Jim (Alison), and children: Chris (Jeremy), Mike (Glenda), Jeff (Beverly), Tim (Monica), and grandchildren: JP (Jordy), Chelsea (Steven), Katts (John), Brent (Stacey), Blake, and Dana.

Audrey was born on February 5, 1930, in Winnipeg. She graduated from Glenlawn Collegiate in St. Vital. In 1950 she attended Normal School in Tuxedo where she obtained her Teacher’s Certificate. She married George in 1952, taught for a few years, and then became busy raising children. When the children were older, she returned to teaching. Audrey continued her education at the University of Winnipeg, obtaining her degree and was awarded the Gold Medal in Anthropology at the 1981 spring convocation.

She was a lover of nature and taught us to find beauty in the tiniest shell or flower, on many walks with her family. She enjoyed summers at the cottage at Traverse Bay that her husband and sons built. She loved family time, especially at the beach.

She enjoyed many winters in Mexico, with George and their friends. She loved walking - especially on the beach, looking for shells. She was an inspiration in her physical strength and independence as she looked after her home and grew a beautiful garden each year. She loved working in her garden and sharing her fresh vegetables. She passed peacefully at home reading - another thing she loved to do.

Audrey also loved to paint, and she created many beautiful pieces, depicting flowers, landscapes, birds, animals, and family members. She was actively attending painting classes, as well as playing bridge, and she spoke fondly of the great company she enjoyed at these activities.

She also made many friends in Saturday morning Spanish classes and attending the Latin American Association of Winnipeg that she attended with George. She maintained long friendships with long time school friends Pat, Shirley, and Jean.

Audrey was always positive; she had such mental toughness - she never complained. She often remarked what a wonderful life she has had. Her outlook was truly inspirational.

Audrey you were so loving, and so loved by everyone who knew you. You will be dearly missed, and always in our memories and hearts.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Ave., Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers, Audrey wished donations to be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2023