Jan Copley Obituary (2017)

Jan Copley, of Dataw Island, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2017. Jan was born in Elmira, New York to Chauncey and Winifred Wirth. Jan grew up in Elmira and graduated with her Masters of Science in Education (Elmira College) and with her Masters in Library Science (SUNY). Jan started out as an elementary school teacher in the Elmira School District and finished her career as a librarian at Southside High School. She was an avid reader, loved to travel with her husband John, and enjoyed many summers on the Finger Lakes in New York State. She and her husband retired to Dataw Island in 1995. Jan learned to play golf and loved her book club and entertaining her many friends. Jan is survived by her daughters Barbara Hamilton (Larry) and Kati Merriman (Ron), both in Michigan; five grandchildren Katie McCone (Brett), Russell Hamilton (Jennifer), Lauren Mahoney (Derek), Sean Merriman (Nina) and Shannon Merriman (Alex Cummings) and seven great-grandchildren. Jan was predeceased by her husband John of 64 years in January 2017 and her parents and two brothers. A private family ceremony is being planned in Elmira NY where she will be buried. Memorials may be made to Friends of Hunting Island (friendsofhuntingisland.org), Dataw Island Feline Foundation (through Dale Martin) or Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.