Denise M. Kopera

Mass of Christian Burial for Denise M. Kopera, 45, of Eastlake, will be at 11 AM on Monday, April 22, 2013 at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, 35781 Stevens Boulevard, Eastlake.

Denise passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013.

Born December 9, 1967, she was a lifelong Eastlake resident.

Denise graduated from Broadmoor School in Mentor on June 7, 1990. She was an avid Cleveland sports fan and was actively involved in Special Olympics. Through the years, she participated in swimming, bowling, track and field, gymnastics and softball, where she earned numerous medals. In 1991, she attended the International Special Olympics, where she won silver and bronze in swimming. She also played the guitar and was a member of the Singing Fingers.
Her interests include Friday night Deepwood dances, Saturday bowling, Star Trek and Star Wars.

Denise was employed at the Manhattan Deli in Willoughby Hills and the Wickliffe Public Library, through the CES program of Deepwood Industries.

She is survived by her parents, Dennis and Regina (Niemiec) Kopera of Eastlake and loving sister, Catherine. She is also survived by her aunt, Loretta (Bill) Kline and uncle, Evan Jenkins, many loving cousins, and very special friends, Patty Booker and Eddie Zitko. She will be remembered by her many friends.

Denise was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph and Mary Niemiec and Michael and Rose Kopera; her aunts, Betty Jane Jenkins and Rosemary Kopera and uncle, Michael Kopera.
The family will receive friends from 2-8 PM Sunday at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Avenue, Willoughby. The Rev. Fr. Louis A. Pizmoht will officiate at the Mass. Final resting place will be in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Deepwood Foundation, 8121 Deepwood Boulevard, Mentor, OH 44060.