Copplestone, Elizabeth “Bettie” (Winchell)
It is with deep sadness that Bettie’s family announces her passing. On November 17, 2016, while in loving care at The Tippett Home and with her family nearby Bettie peacefully passed on. Born December 7, 1920 in Pittsfield, MA to Ellis Henry Winchell and Elizabeth Hester Winchell (Starrett) Bettie lived a full and accomplished life. She greeted each day with her infectious smile and zest for life. Her positive personality touched many. To her each day was glorious and every gathering of family and friends wonderful. Her love of books was legendary. She was well known for her daily swims across Morse’s Pond, love of old movies, music, dance, and her acting in the Wellesley Players and Big Theater for Little People. In many ways, with careers in business, fitness instruction, and caring for the children at the Trinity Church Nursery in Boston, Bettie was a woman ahead of her time. The many children she cared for at Trinity and their families for over sixty years remember her lovingly.
Bettie was the wife of the late Wesley Copplestone. Bettie and her husband, Wes raised their children with great pride and provided limitless opportunities for a very full life. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Cheryl Landry and her husband Paul of Natick, Barry Copplestone and his wife Penny of Wellesley, Kathryn Copplestone of Natick, David Copplestone and his wife Margaret of Wellesley. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Seth, Heather, Gregory, Jess, Samantha, Hannah and Sarah, as well as four great grandchildren, Tydan, Azaria, Mathias and Kalani. Sister of William Winchell of Aptos, CA, Jane Powers of Oahu, Hawaii and late sister of Grace Calder, brothers, Robert Winchell and James Winchell, she is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
If the success of a person’s life is measured by her generosity, sense of humor, enthusiasm, positive attitude and smile, then surely Bettie’s life was a resounding success. She will be forever present in our hearts and minds.
The family is forever grateful for the loving care and assistance that the VNA and Tippett Hospice Home provided, and request that in lieu flowers donations in Bettie’s memory be made to: Stanley R. Tippett Hospice Home, 920 South St., Needham, MA 02492.
A memorial celebration will be held on December 10, 2016 at 11AM at Trinity Church Boston, 206 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02116 with reception immediately following in the Trinity’s Ferris Library