Deborah Lovering Copeland

Deborah Lovering Copeland, 89, died at home on August 9, 2021. Her family was by her side.

Deborah was born in New York City, daughter of Mary Burke Lovering and Charles Taylor Lovering. They lived in Little Silver, New Jersey until 1939 when they moved into the city. Deborah graduated from the Brearley School, and while in school, she also studied ballet. Upon graduation, Deborah went to Paris to continue her dance study. While there, she was asked to join the American Ballet Theatre corps de ballet for a European tour. She later danced with the Slavenska-Franklin Dance Company and finally with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo for four years. In 1957, she married Lammot Copeland and lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and Fair Haven, New Jersey before settling in Wilmington. They had five children, thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Deborah lived a life full of activity and adventure. She was a volunteer in the Pediatric Clinic at the Wilmington Hospital for a number of years. Deborah greatly enjoyed playing tennis, particularly with a regular group of ladies. From 1980 to 2006 with her husband, she was co-publisher of The Crafts Report, a monthly magazine for people making all or part of their income from the sale of their craftwork. They enjoyed travelling to Europe, the Amazon and the South Pacific in addition to craft shows across the country. She particularly enjoyed her three trips to Japan, the first in 1957.

Deborah was predeceased by her parents and her son Chip. She is survived by her husband; daughters Leelee Copeland Panno (David), Carolyn Copeland Mauk (David), and Sandy Copeland Macchiarulo (Anthony); her son Charles Copeland (Bonnie); and Chip’s wife, Cindi Stevens Copeland.

The family would like to thank Mama Wolokolie of Bayada Nursing and the staff of Delaware Hospice for their excellent care during her last days.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday August 22, 2021 in the du Pont Family Chapel, Buck Road, Greenville, DE 19807.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The Dance Theatre of Harlem, 466 West 152^nd Street, New York, NY 10031.