Sylvia Helen Coppens

Sylvia Helen Coppens (nee Scofield), passed away peacefully Monday, February 17, 2020 in Naples, FL.  Sylvia was predeceased by Thomas A. Coppens, her husband of 72 ½ years.  Surviving are her children:  Barbara Coppens, Cherry Hill, NJ; John Coppens (Culest Bynum), Jeffersonville,VT; Carole Coppens (Matthew Burt) Apalachin, NY; Laura Coppens, Apalachin, NY;  her grandchildren: Graham Burt, Endicott, NY; Sean Coppens, Lake Worth, FL; Isaac Coppens, Manchester, TN; her dear niece, Anne Agovino (Frank) Chesterfield, MO, and nephew, John Paul Rice, Daytona Beach, FL.

Born in Portchester, NY in 1923 of Scots, English, Irish, and Welsh sheep stealers (family lore), Sylvia married the love of her life, Thomas, and together joined the Army where Sylvia served as a sergeant in the Women’s Army Corps, particularly in the medical division, while Thomas served as a medic in the European theater.  Post WWII, Sylvia and Thomas moved all over the globe, giving birth to children in England, Egypt, and New Jersey. 

Sylvia served the Naples community for over 30 years as a driver for Meals on Wheels, NCH Downtown Cardiology wards, a pillar of her churches; St. John’s Episcopal Church Naples and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Bonita, and a founding member with Myra Janco Daniels of the Naples Philharmonic.

Sylvia has a long time passion for music and dance as a performer in Opera, Dance, and Choirs. Her family fondly remembers her as the “Queen of Serene”, an avid reader and writer, with a great sense of humor.  She was gracious and welcoming to all she met.  Sylvia was a quintessential hostess.  She was beautifully attired and took pride in her appearance.  She will be remembered by all for her faith, strength, and class.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Park Shore Drive, Naples at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 29th followed by a reception at the Glenview.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Humane Society Naples, 370 Airport Pulling, Naples, FL 34104; ARC of Camden County, 215 White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009; YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County, 80 Hawley St., Binghamton, NY 13901. The family wishes to thank all of those from the Glenview who went out of their way to provide exceptional comfort and care.

Simple Prayer of St. Theresa of Avila

Let nothing trouble thee,

Let nothing affright thee,

All things are passing,

God never changes;

Patience obtains everything,

Nothing is wanting to

him who possesses God.

God Alone Suffices