Melissa Jane Copenhaver, age 77, from Rising Sun, MD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. She was born on July 3, 1947, in Havre de Grace, MD, to the late Elbert Newberry Copenhaver, Sr. and Elinor (Rawlings) Copenhaver.

Melissa’s professional career began at Bainbridge Naval Training Center. She went on to work for many years at DuPont before retiring from Aberdeen Proving Ground, and recently enjoyed a part time job at the Great Wolf Lodge.

Melissa was a dedicated mother, who took immense joy in watching her daughter play sports. She was her daughter and daughter’s friends’ biggest cheerleader. Then, when the next generation began playing sports, she was there again, cheering her granddaughters on at every game and proudly sharing their accomplishments with all her friends and family. She was thrilled to become a great a grandmother, with the birth of great grandson, Lane, and she cherished every minute with him. She was beloved by her nieces and nephews and was always known as the cool aunt who quite often allowed and enabled them to do things without parental consent. Melissa enjoyed traveling and had many fun trips in the South with family members. She also enjoyed shopping, hanging out at the casino, going to the American Legion to dance and take part in other activities with her friends there. Melissa thoroughly enjoyed family parties and cherished her lunches with her gal pals, sharing laughter and good times. Melissa will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Melissa is survived by her daughter, Danielle Kennedy; grandchildren: Kellie Kennedy, and Chloe Kennedy; great grandson, Lane Kennedy; brother, John Copenhaver; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Lee Copenhaver, and Sonny Copenhaver; and sister, Jean McGlothlin.

A celebration of Melissa’s life will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 AM. Burial will be held privately.