Alice Bertelle Copeland passed away peacefully on Feb 24, 2023, in Zephyrhills, FL, at the age of 99 years and 10 months. She lived in Zephyrhills, Florida for the past 40 years.

Alice was born on April 25, 1923 in Ellsworth, Maine, to Leona and John Cassidy. She had two older sisters, Helen and Ethel. Alice graduated HS and married Willard Copeland of Joplin, Mo. They met when he was in the US Navy, and married in 1943. They moved to Boston and raised three children. Willard Jr, Charles, and Gayle. They had one child deceased at birth, Douglas.

Both Alice and Bill worked their careers at Polaroid Corp in Waltham, Ma. Alice worked as an Executive Secretary; Bill was a Quality Control Inspector.

Alice was predeceased by Bill on April 1, 2001. She never thought she would live 22 years beyond him. But she did, and has made many beloved friendships along the way.

Maynard, MA was where they raised their family. Dad was proud to move from City-life back to country-life. They both loved small town living, and church. They also had a cottage near a lake, in Groton, MA and loved having cookouts every weekend; with plenty of guests, always. They both loved entertaining. Family & Friendship were always a priority.

Upon retirement from Polaroid, Alice and Bill moved to Valleydale Mobile Home Community, in Zephyrhills. This was to be the community of their dreams. It proved to be just that. They got involved and helped to build a lasting community of Florida friends and neighbors. All 3 of their "kids", now retired, live in Valleydale and grandkids from generations have grown up visiting the Copelands in Valleydale.

You could always get Alice to play a game of cards, especially Rummy. But watch out. Even at 99, she would still win! She also loved BINGO. She disliked vegetables and loved sweets! She didnt attend church, but was very religious. She loved people. She was quite proper, and very neat, and had a DEVIL of a sense of Humor! Oh, her humor is unmatched.

When Mom was unable to live alone, she moved to Rosecastle of Zephyrhills. She received extraordinary loving care and made many new friends. They quickly got to know Alice and loved her sense of humor. She lived there for her last 6 months. It was a supportive, happy, loving, end of life experience for Alice and her family. We are grateful for all the love Mom had to give and all the love she received in return, throughout her life.

Alice is survived by

3 children, Willard Jr (wife, Dorothy) of Zephyrhills, Charles (wife, Rebecca) of New Cumberland, PA and Gayle (Husband, Phil Teri) of Zephyrhills.

10 grandchildren, Dawn Olsen, Erin Robbins, Willard Copeland III, Charles Copeland Jr, Heath Copeland, Evan Copeland, Andrea Longenecker, Stacey Teri, August Teri, Allison Teri.

12 great grandchildren, Emily, Elizabeth, Donald, Charles III, Adam, Kaylie, Amanda, Kyle, Julie, Joliene, Jayla and Amaya.

Viewing will be held at

Hodges Family Funeral Home

Mar 2, 2023 2-4pm

Place of interment will be Florida National Cemetery with Willard Sr. Time and Date TBD

Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home (Zephyrhills)

Thursday, March 2, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 36327 State Road 54 Zephyrhills, Florida 33541 Directions