Born: 08/07/1945
Mason City, Iowa
Died: 02/19/2026
Bradford, VT
Details of service:
A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for April 18 at 11:00 a.m., at the Bradford Academy, 172 Main Street, Bradford, VT 05033. A reception will follow next door in the Gathering Room at Grace Methodist Church.
Jenny Louise Abrams Copeland
Jenny L. Copeland of South Road, Bradford, VT, died unexpectedly at home on February 19, 2026. She was 80.
Jenny Louise Abrams was born August 7, 1945, at Park Hospital in Mason City, Iowa, the fourth child of Spence and Vera Abrams. She grew up on the Iowa family farm “walking beans,” driving tractors, and raising lambs. Jenny was also a talented organist and piano player. One of her favorite activities as a child was exploring the 200 acres of row crops, pasture and woods with her trusted horse, Beauty, and her German Shepard, King.
As an infant, Jenny survived polio, having been born to the last generation of children in the U.S. without access to the Salk vaccine. However, she barreled out of illness with warrior-like determination while also wielding the generous spirit of a healer. Her disability did not stop her from cheerleading, hiking, adventure or later playing with her offspring.
Jenny graduated from Ventura High School, Ventura, Iowa, in 1963, and Trinity College, Deerfield, Illinois, in 1968. On November 29, 1968, she married Timothy Copeland, and the couple settled in Prairieview, Illinois. Jenny taught junior-high Social Studies in Des Plaines, Illinois, during which time the couple welcomed their first two children. In 1971, the young family moved to Corinth, Vermont.
In addition to being a fully engaged Mom of four children, Jenny played a central role in the creation and growth of Copeland Furniture, a business that started in the family’s garage and would grow to over 120,000 square feet of manufacturing space that employs more than 100. She filled many positions over the years and is remembered for getting to know the names and family stories of Copeland team members.
Beginning in 1992, Jenny enthusiastically embraced Grandmotherhood. Over the next 34 years, during which Jenny’s ten grandchildren were born, she grew from caregiver to teacher, and ultimately to mentor, friend and trusted advisor. In recent years, Jenny assumed the title of Great Grandma and started again as caregiver and teacher.
For many years, Jenny served and showed love to her community by managing the Bradford Food Shelf. She believed that our purpose in life is to make the world a little better for those around us. Known for her generosity and warmth, Jenny took a heartfelt interest in the lives and well-being of community members. She remembered the names of children and parents alike, kept track of major events and transitions in their lives and always asked about folks with sincere concern. She rarely missed the chance to “heart” or share a Facebook post or update from someone in the community — provided it was positive and kind.
Jenny had a passion for adventure, travel, gardening and following the sporting careers of her kids and grandkids. While she often said she didn’t like to cook, Jenny loved to host family and friends. Many in her circle have fond memories of dinner around the Copeland table.
Jenny is survived by her husband of 57 years, Timothy, her children: Tim, Jr. and his partner Kathleen; Sarah Copeland Hanzas and her husband, John; Benjamin and his wife, Naomi; and Abigail and her partner Ryan; Ben Musty; grandchildren Isaac Copeland, his wife Alex and their two boys, Owen (4) and Liam (2); Tyler Copeland, Leah Hanzas, Rebekah Hanzas, Schyler Hanzas, Abraham Musty, James Copeland, Simon Copeland, Pearl Copeland and Oliver Musty and by her sister Vonnie Pederson and her brother Arlyn Abrams. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Spence Abrams, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following charities Jenny supported:
The Bradford Food Shelf, 172 North Main Street
Burke Mountain Academy, 60 Alpine Lane, East Burke, Vermont 05832
Embracing Hope Ethiopia, Box 443 New Holland, Pennsylvania 17557
Feed My Starving Children, 401 93rd Ave. NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55443
Northeast Slopes, Box 1101 East Corinth, Vermont 05040
