Laura Ada Lou (Day) Copenhaver

Laura Ada Lou Copenhaver (née Day), 92, of Reading, PA (Stony Creek Mills), passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter Copenhaver, Sr.; her sons, Samuel and Daniel Copenhaver; and her siblings, Virgie, Harvey, Floyd, Irene, Russell, Arthur, Hazel, and Donald.  She is the daughter of the late Charles and Annie (Miller) Day.

Laura is survived by her sons, Floyd “Sparky” (Brunhilda) of Kissimmee, FL, Walter Jr “Billy” (Jonnie) of Johns Island, SC, Harold “Harry” of Laureldale, PA, John (Cynthia) of Laurel Springs, PA, Randolph “Randy” (Bonnie) of Bernville, PA; and daughters, Patricia (Artenberg) of NY, Margaret “Maggie” (Richard Delp) of Lorane, PA, and Geneva of Stony Creek Mills, PA.

She is also survived by her brother, Benjamin Day (Sarah) of Alburtis, as well as 19 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Laura was one of ten children that grew up in a two-bedroom home in the country during a time without refrigeration, electricity, a washer and dryer, or television.  They pumped their water from the well, used an outhouse, and heated their home with a wood stove.  She and her siblings walked two miles to school, uphill both ways, often through deep snow.  Although she attended a one-room schoolhouse and finished her education through the 8th grade, she was an avid reader and very wise.

When their childhood home burned down, she had two young children and worked at Luden’s Candy Factory in Reading to help support her younger siblings.

Laura and her husband shared 50 years of marriage before his passing.  She had 12 pregnancies in 14 years, raising eight children in their three-bedroom home.  Even though she went through much hardship in her life, she faced them with strength and optimism, always looking for the good in others.  She maintained enduring friendships with her childhood friend and those she met in her life. 

She loved music and to sing. She had love for animals and birds and appreciated the beauty of flowers which she enjoyed gardening.  She enjoyed the little things in nature and admired God’s creation.  She planted the seed of love for Jehovah in her children which carries down to her great grandchildren.

Laura attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1950.  Known to many as “Dolly,” she held a strong faith of God’s promise of the resurrection into a paradise earth.  She will be remembered for her strength, faith, and the love she shared with her family and friends.  Her life was a reminder that even through hardship, kindness, perseverance, and faith can leave a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of the many generations she helped shape.

A memorial service will be held at the Reading East Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 3:00pm.  Address: 4880 Oak Parkway, Reading, PA  19606

For those unable to attend in person, Zoom access will be available beginning at 2:00pm for time to greet the family until 2:30pm, prior to the start of the service.

Zoom Meeting Information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84692566599?pwd=avwB2oBtz9LJ5Q9BTKrmNjeSS3a7sU.1 [us02web.zoom.us]

Meeting ID: 846 9256 6599

Passcode: 092554

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