Marcia Cope

 COPE, Marcia Jean Smith, 82, of Urbana, Ohio died on July 17, 2024. She died peacefully in the company of family at Vancrest Care Center. Born on September 11, 1941 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, she was the only child of civil engineer and Ohio State University professor C.B. (Bill) and Ann (Gutches) Smith. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, James E. Cope, formerly a Lutheran pastor in Columbus and St. Paris Ohio, their four children and five grandchildren, whom Marcia adored and whose adventures she followed closely. Marcia will be deeply missed by her children Karin Cope (Marike Finlay) of Nova Scotia, Canada; Leslie Cope (Jules Jung) of Baltimore, Maryland; Lisa Cope (Don Lee) of Chicago, Illinois; and Becca Bailey (Michael Bailey), as well as her grandchildren Rachael DuLaney, Holden Bailey, David Bailey, Jack Cope, and Zoe Cope. 

Marcia loved a good story, whether spoken, written or sung, and she was an avid reader of 19th and 20th century literature. An accomplished pianist – her children remember her playing Liszt and lullabies after they’d gone to bed – she loved classical music and jazz. A quietly prolific writer, she filled several notebooks with poems both humorous and prayerful. We remember her marvelous sense of humor, and her appreciation for the joys of life. She loved dogs, cats, the sea, the moon, lighthouses, travel, and gourmet foods; coffee was an absolute daily necessity.

 Marcia listened deeply, thought profoundly, and observed the world carefully. She loved to be outdoors, and delighted in watching and listening to the wind, water, animals and people. She found and embraced the good in everyone, and was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. We will miss her quiet persistence and embracing love. 

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Walter and Lewis Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Oak Dale. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com.