Rebecca Abigail Copeland

August 9th, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. I first meet Rebecca while she was on the hunt for a place in DC in the winter. Her and Alaina convinced me they would take great care of my place and they did, treated it like it was theirs. Was so sad to see them move on. I can’t believe that she is gone.

Shelly

~Shelly P
~Landlord/Friend, Washington

August 1st, 2021

I never met Rebecca but I heard all about her from her uncles, Michael and Phil. You could see from their body language and facial expressions just how remarkable Rebecca had been. Sending thoughts and we’ll wishes to the family in this very difficult time. We all want a legacy to pass on and she appears to have certainly accomplished that. My condolences to family and friends of Rebecca.

Sincerely,
The guy in the middle seat

~Salmaan Toor
~Acquaintance of family, Knoxville, TN

July 26th, 2021

I have fond memories of growing up with and around Becca. We went to summer camp together as munchkins, shared many classes in high school, and I know firsthand how she had an overwhelmingly effervescent presence about her. It’s surreal when tragedy strikes the most alive people, and Becca was undoubtedly someone whose light shined bright and left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. David and Liz, my heart breaks for your entire family and her special group of friends. May you find comfort in the extraordinarily vibrant life that she lived.

~Danny Wein
~Childhood Friend, San Francisco, CA

July 26th, 2021

David and Liz,
I did not know Rebecca, and it has been years since I last spoke to David. But when my brother shared this devastating news I had to reach out to offer my heartfelt condolences. As the father of 2 and stepfather of 3, my heart breaks for what you both are going through. Sending thoughts and hopes that the memories of times you all spent together will help you through these difficult times. Sincerely, David

~David Minkus
~Friend of Father, Palm Beqch Gardens, FL

July 22nd, 2021

Rebecca was a rare combination of intelligence, conscience, ambition, and joie de vivre. I am so thankful for the time I had with her. Heartfelt sympathies to her loved ones, and please know that her friends at the Ford School will treasure her memory and find inspiration in her approach to life.

~Mandy
~Friend, Ann Arbor, MI

July 21st, 2021

David and Liz, words cannot express how saddened I am to hear about your loss. I pray you can find moments of peace and comfort.

~Betsy Santellano
~Friend, Northbrook IL

July 20th, 2021

I was so incredibly saddened to hear about Rebecca’s passing. Becca and I met on an organized trip to Alaska in 2008. She was such a strong, funny, happy, and beautiful person, and she brought joy to everyone around her. I am sending my sincerest condolences to all of her friends and family. Becca will be in my thoughts – may her memory be a blessing.

~Ariella Lenton-Brym
~Friend, Toronto, Canada

July 20th, 2021

One of my favorite memories of Becca was when we did our TED Talks-style presentation night in graduate school. Everyone chose a niche topic they were interested in or knowledgeable about to present for 10-15 minutes. In true Becca fashion, she showed up about 30 minutes late but with fresh homemade challah. Becca’s talk was titled “Beyond the Bagel: Jewish Cuisine from the Diaspora”. She was so passionate about this subject that her presentation lasted around 40 minutes, and we loved every single minute of it. Listening to Becca speak so passionately was a common occurrence, as she loved so many things so fervently. The uploaded picture is a group photo from that night. I will forever miss her fierce personality and passion for everything in life. Sending so many hugs and thoughts to her family during this unspeakably hard time.

~Sarah Hiltner
~Public Health/Grad School friend, Ypsilanti, MI

July 20th, 2021

Rebecca had such a unique energy and warmth to her that will live on in all who knew her. It is so hard to comprehend her loss. I know she would have kept working to make the health care system better and her passion would have been put to good use. She will be very missed. Thank you for sharing her with us.

~Cynthia Cox
~Colleague (at KFF), Washington DC

July 19th, 2021

I just met Rebecca on the rafting trip. She really stood out to me when the group did introductions. She had so much enthusiasm and confidence. I instantly felt like I wanted to be her friend. We sat next to each other on the bus to the grand canyon and got to know each other a bit. I felt her kindness and curiosity. She genuinely cared and wanted to get to know people. I only knew her for 2 days but she made a lasting impression on me. She is such a beautiful spirit and I am happy I got to meet her. I am so sorry for your loss. I feel like the whole world is suffering a huge loss by loosing Rebecca. We miss you Rebecca.

~Heather Harris
~Friend, Boulder, CO

July 19th, 2021

We are so very sorry to hear about Rebecca. Nikki has the sweetest memories of her from Marimeta. She always put a smile on everyone’s face. We are thinking of your entire family during this difficult time.

~Susan Bernstein
~, Highland Park

July 19th, 2021

Dear Liz and David,

I was so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved Rebecca. Although I did not know her, the loving commentary at the services painted a picture of an amazing compassionate, caring and thoughtful person. She certainly touched so many lives and made this world a better place in the very short time she was here.

I know she will always be with you in spirit and in your heart.

To that end, I want to share a short poem with you.

“A part of me has gone away
I know not which part greater be
That part which you took with you
Or the one you left with me.”

Thinking of you with much love and sympathy,

Marv

~Marvin Rotstein
~Friend, Illinois

July 19th, 2021

Liz, David, Sara and Johnny may some kind of peace be yours in this time and always. Sorrowfully, Nicki Weber and family.

~Nicki weber
~Friend, Boulder, co

July 19th, 2021

There was no brighter light than Copeland. She inspired everyone she touched to be present, joyful and inquisitive. Sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone who loved her.

~Caroline Crumley
~College friend, New Orleans

July 19th, 2021

Dear Dave, Liz and Copeland family, our deepest condolences on the tragic and unexpected loss of Rebecca your beloved daughter. She was an incredible human being from all we know of her and the world will be all the poorer for losing her. Her memories will always be a blessing for everyone she touched.
Sincerely Joe and Pauline Oyama

~Josep and Pauline Oyama
~Friend, ChIcago IL

July 19th, 2021

Copeland was one of the most vibrant humans I’ve ever met. She could literally turn anything into a good time. Her laugh was epic and contagious. She was my cooking buddy and live music queen. She was endlessly kind, but I could always count on her to “give it to me straight.” More than anything, she made me better, and I will cherish her friendship forever.

Sending all my love to her family. I will miss her every day.

~Somer Flanagan
~friend, Alexandria, VA

July 19th, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss.
Rebecca was scheduled to join my colleagues and I at the CMS Innovation Center next month. In every conversation that I had with her, Rebecca’s drive to change health care and promote social justice was unmistakable. We were ecstatic that she chose to work with us over other opportunities. We will miss her terribly. My thoughts are with you in the coming days.

~Nicholas Minter
~Colleague, Silver Spring, Maryland

July 19th, 2021

I served as one of Rebecca’s mentors and colleagues during her time at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Rebecca participated in Physician Organization of Michigan Accountable Care Organization’s (POM ACO, a state-wide entity accountable for care delivered to Medicare beneficiaries, majority owned by the University of Michigan) cross-geography, community health investment, exploratory work. She made significant, innovative, contributions to the exploratory work, alongside me and other leaders from around the State of Michigan.

Rebecca also served as an intern where I currently work, the Center for Health Research and Transformation, housed at the University, where she contributed to a number of health policy-related projects.

Rebecca was such a bright light, a rock star, as one colleague observed – Rebecca was smart as a whip, curious, insightful, funny, wanted to make (and was making) a difference in the world. She left an impression on whomever she met, and her mark wherever she went. She loved her family and friends fiercely.

Rebecca’s loss is so profound on so many levels. I am so very, very sorry. My thoughts are with all who loved her.

~Terrisca Des Jardins
~mentor and colleague, Ann Arbor, MI

July 19th, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Copeland family for this tragic loss. Rebecca welcomed me into her life when I was alone in a new city and she instantly treated me like a friend she had known for years – I’m so grateful for the time I got to spend with her. She was a kind, empathetic, and passionate soul and one of the funniest people I have ever met, her laughter was truly infectious. Her vivacious approach to life and unapologetic passion for social justice inspired me and many others to live more fully and consciously, and her memory will continue to do so.

~April Crain
~Friend, Boulder, Colorado

July 18th, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Copeland family.

I knew Rebecca during my summer internship at V-BID at University of Michigan. Our mutual co-intern Michael and I were just talking about how she was always the life of the party in any room we entered. Michael and I were introverts but she made us connect with people, experiences, and the life around us. She got us out of our shy shells and made us feel more confident about ourselves. She was an intelligent, radiant, and loving friend and I am extremely fortunate to have known her those many summers ago. She will always be in my memories.

Love,
Monica

~Monica Sridhar
~Friend, San Antonio, TX

July 18th, 2021

Love and care to the Copeland family. I am so sorry.
This is devastating news. I was thinking about Rebecca recently just knowing she would be doing good in the world.
What a spectacular person, and student. She was in our wonderful class that stayed from 4th to 5th. She was a reliably positive classmate for her peers who appreciated and enjoyed her massive spirit and curiosity. She was always the first on board for every project and the one to start the party and keep us laughing. That was overall a truly amazing, connected group, and Rebecca will always be in my memories. Dancing, laughing, singing, caring, always caring. Rebecca’s loss is so difficult to accept.
Take care, Jonathan, I am thinking of you and Sarah, too.
P J Prevo

~Peggy Prevo
~Teacher 4-5, Tucson AZ

July 18th, 2021

David and Liz
We are so deeply saddened for the tragic loss of your daughter Rebecca. We can only recall the little girl next door as many years have passed but we understand the pain and grief you are suffering as we have walked in your shoes
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. You have the Davis family grieving with you.

~Ted&Phyllis Davis
~Friend, Highland park, il

July 18th, 2021

Copeland (as we called her at Vandy) was such a one-of-a-kind, thoughtful and fun friend. Words cannot describe how much we will miss her. Sending all of my thoughts and love to her family during this deeply sad time.

~Kaye Malenfant
~Friend, Wayne, PA

July 18th, 2021

My condolences to the Copeland family. Rest In Peace dear Rebecca, you will be missed.

~Tybee Fishman Chaplik
~Jordan’s Grandmother, IL

July 18th, 2021

I met Rebecca through my best friend Chelsea. I had only met her on one or two occasions, but nonetheless both instances were memorable. Not only is Rebecca beautiful on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside. She was truly such a beautiful light. Radiating positivity wherever she went. May her legacy and spirit live on. Sending all of my prayers and comfort to her family and friends

~Rikki
~Friend, Potomac md

July 17th, 2021

Hannah & Leo’s wedding

~Charlie Copeland
~Cousin, Chicago, IL

July 17th, 2021

Family Photo

~Upload
~Funeral Director, Arlington Heights

July 17th, 2021

Family Photo

~Family
~Funeral Director,

July 16th, 2021

David, Elizabeth,
Our deepest condolences. Somehow words alone do not seem adequate to either express or alleviate the pain of the tragic and sudden death of your daughter, Rebecca. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending our love and prayers as you go through this incredibly difficult period of shock, mourning and grief.

~Michael anad Eileen Tarnoff
~friend, Highland Park, IL

July 16th, 2021

Photo provided by family.

~Upload
~Funeral Director, Arlington Heights