Joan Lorraine Copenhaver (Grandmom, Joannie, Aunt Joan) was born in Elkton, MD on March 28, 1936.  She was a lifelong resident of Port Deposit, MD and passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on February 9th, 2024 surrounded by her boys and loved ones.

Grandmom is survived by her daughter Sharon Young and son-in-law Morris Young; her grandsons Michael, David and Andrew Copenhaver; her granddaughter-in-law Naomi Copenhaver; her great-grandson Gabriel Copenhaver; her daughter-in-law Darla Copenhaver and her sister-in-law Melissa Copenhaver. Joan was preceded in death by her father Clarence Wright; her mother Sara Sutphin; brother William Wright; husband Emory Copenhaver and her son William Copenhaver.

Grandmom graduated from Rising Sun High School in 1954.  She was the definition of a hard worker.  She worked at the Bainbridge Naval base until it closed, at the Old Mill Inn and then served as a substitute mail carrier for the Colora Post Office.  She retired after 26 years working as a steward at the Port Deposit VFW.  Grandmom had a passion for cooking and entertaining her family and friends.  She loved having everyone around her dining room table, laughing, telling stories and eating until they were full.  She loved reading, animals, dancing, music and blueberry pancakes.  More than anything, she enjoyed raising her children, grandchildren and great-grandson.  Grandmom was a big part of everyone’s life who had the privilege to meet her.  She was sweet, kind, strong-willed and funny.  Grandmom was a strong force of nature and gracious to all she met.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11AM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD 21911 where family and friends may begin visiting at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Grandmom’s charity of choice, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and send in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911.