Obituary of Eleanor Coppoc

Eleanor L. Coppoc died September 11, 2009, at the age of 95. She was born in Franklin County, Kansas, on November 19, 1913. She was the daughter of Edmund and Teresa Lister. She loved mystery novels, poetry, popcorn, chocolate, a good steak and football. She was a gracious hostess in her home as well as outside the home. She had a true spirit of love and care towards everyone. She had a ready smile and generously gave so much of herself to others. She loved life up to the last day. In spite of her age and multiple health problems, she remained alert to her surroundings. Eleanor was an active participant in her church until a month before her death. Eleanor was educated in the Ottawa, Kansas schools. She received her BS degree from Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas, where she majored in biology and received her teaching certificate. She taught elementary school in Holton, Kansas and one year in Ottawa, Kansas. She continued to substitute teach until 1958. She married W. Joseph Coppoc on July 2, 1939, in Ottawa. They moved to Port Arthur, Texas and she continued to teach there. While in Port Arthur, Eleanor was in the Canteen Corps during WWII, and was chairman of the Volunteer Special Services of South Jefferson, American Red Cross. She was an active member of the Port Arthur Baptist Church. Eleanor joined P.E.O. (Philanthropic and Educational Organization) in 1941, one of her greatest loves. After living in Texas for ten years, the family moved to Beacon, N.Y., was active in the Fishkill Baptist Church. When she and her family lived in White Plains, she was an active member of First Baptist Church of White Plains, N.Y. In 1955, Eleanor and her family settled in Poughkeepsie until 1988, and she continued her work with P.E.O., including as State President from 1971-1972. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie, singing in the choir, committees, and with her husband, started and taught adult Sunday School for thirtytwo years. She sang in the Messiah as an alto in the West Point Choir. She was a member of the Dutchess Country Club, Fortnightly Club, and the Matinee Musicale. Eleanor was on the Children's Home Board for fifteen years, as President for one year. She was on the Girl Scout Executive Board where she received the Thanks Badge, the highest honor. She christened a ship for Texaco in Japan in 1972. She and her husband traveled extensively over the world. Predeceased are her husband, W. Joseph Coppoc; her brother, George Lister; sisters, Evelyn Fredeen and Mary Arnett. She is survived by her son, William E. Coppoc and daughter, Teresa (Tess) DeNies; four grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Memorial services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie, 260 Mill St., Poughkeepsie, September 20, 2009, at 2 pm. Plans for memorial services in Kansas are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the First Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie, Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas, 66067, or P.E.O. Executive Office, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312-2899. Arrangements are entrusted to the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie