Rita Copley - Roberson Funeral Home

Rita Copley

June 29, 1924 - June 14, 2014

Rita L. Copley, 89, of Punta Gorda, Florida went home to be with her Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior on June 14, 2014.

Rita was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia on June 29, 1924 to the late Edison and Louise (Ivimey) Wareham. Rita moved to the United State with her family and became a proud United States citizen at the age of 10. She attended North Providence schools and graduated from Community College of Rhode Island with an LPN Nursing Degree. Before retirement, Rita worked at the Cherry Hill Manor Nursing Center in Johnston, RI as an LPN and also volunteered at the Veterans Hospital helping ailing vets. Although she loved being a nurse, Rita retired in 1983 and moved to Florida with her husband Fred where they had a wonderful and active life in their community, enjoyed the beach, tennis and made many friends.

Rita was a member of the Eastern Star and also a Past Mother Advisor for the Order of Rainbow Girls in Rhode Island where she was affectionately called “Ma Copley” by the girls. She instilled in them Christian values, morals and the belief that they could do anything in life that they set out to do and was extremely supportive of their endeavors. She was former member of the Greystone Primitive Methodist Church in Rhode Island where she was also a Sunday School teacher and was a current member of the Pilgrim United Church in Punta Gorda. Rita and her husband were very active in the Republican Party in Florida and in Rhode Island where they helped their dear friend, the late former RI Governor John Chaffee during his campaigns.

Rita had a great love for animals and as a young woman she enjoyed horseback riding. She always had a dog following her around and was known to bring home many stray dogs. Rita had a heart of gold and was a devout Christian who lived each day by Christian example. She was beloved by all who met her for the sweet, kind and caring woman of great faith that she was and for someone who truly tried to make a difference in people’s lives. She will be greatly missed.

Rita is the wife of the late Fred Copley. They had been married for 62 years. She is survived by her best buddy, daughter, Kathleen (Sabin) Taylor, daughter, Patricia (Bill) Waddington, 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her Special Loyal Grand-Dog Tinsley. Rita was the sister of the late Mack Wareham, Jennie Pearl Henriques and Roy Wareham.

Private interment will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County, or the National Animal Welfare Society.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.

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Rita L. Copley, 89, of Punta Gorda, Florida went home to be with her Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior on June 14, 2014. Rita was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia on June 29, 1924 to the late Edison and Louise (Ivimey) Wareham. Rita moved to the United State with her family and became a…

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Dear Pat and Kathy, I am so sorry about your mom. She was my favorite Aunt. She always called me Dinky. We always had so much fun when we came to Florida. I will miss her dearly. Love Phillip and Donna.

Dear Pat and Kathy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Auntie Rita reminded me of my Dad in so many ways. She was a great caring person and will be missed by many. Love, Sue and Billy

Rita and Fred were our neighbors for over 20 years in Englewood, and what special neighbors they were! They quickly became dear friends. We send our deepest sympathy, our love and special prayers to all of you. How happy she must be now to be with Fred! Sally and Marvin

We enjoyed very much working on the Centerdale Rainbow for Girls Advisory Board and the girls softball team. She was a wonderful positive influence for the girls and truly made if fun to "work" on the board with her.

Our Deepest Sympathy to all Rita" wonderful family. Dot and I were so glad we had a few nice visits with them in Florida, We will keep you in our thought and prayers. Dot & Will Wareham

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

To Rita wonderful family, Our deepest sympathy to all. We have great memories for our time spent with her as my dad would call her Daisy Mae & Fred. So we couldn't get together when we were in Florida, We are now in Mass. for the summer but our thought and prayers are with you at this time Leona & Jack Van buskirk

Pat, I am very sorry for the loss of your mom. While reading your moms obituary it brought back many fond memories. Please accept my deapest sympathy. Love Barbara

Kathy and Pat, our deepest condelences go out to both of You and your families on the passing of your Mom. She was a great woman, with a heart of gold. I fondley remember her as "auntie Rita" and, aka "ma Copley". She will be truely missed. She is in our prayers. God Bless her - she was a wonderful woman who inspired and touched all who had the pleasure to have known her. Rest in Peace, Rita .

Auntie Rita was a favorite of mine. She always had a smile on her face and had nice things to say whenever I saw her. She will be in my prayers.

My condodlances to you and your family. Rita was my Sunday School teacher,mentor and wonderful friend. So often I have thoughts of her as I grow old. My memories of her are among my dearest. Cousin Evelyn

I have know Rita since i was nine years old, she was the dearest and sweetest lady .She always made you feel like family. she was a girl scout leader when I was in girl scouts. she tought all of us girls so much along with being a christian. We went to the same church until we both moved to florida. She was such a influence in so many lives. She will surely be missed by me and many. god bless you Kathie and Sabin, you both did so very much for your mom. also Pat who I grew up with. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Love Marion

Dear Pat and Kathy, I was saddened to read of Mom's passing. Uncle Roy and I had many fond memories of your parents. They will be sadly missed. My deepest sympathy to you both. Love Auntie Bev.

Rita was a dear friend from church. She loved Pilgrim United Church of Christ and missed her friends and the services there when she was no longer able to attend. She adored Fred and her children and spoke lovingly of them. I know she is glad to be reunited with Fred in eternity praising her Savior. She will be greatly missed by many.

Rita was an inspiration to everyone . She always knew just what to say in order to be supportive, sympathetic and encouraging. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.