Martha Jane Koepf

Martha Jane Koepf, age 82, of East Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024, surrounded by family. Jane was born on April 22, 1942, in Struthers, OH, to the late Andrew and Martha Lindsay. She is survived by her husband Warren R. Koepf; daughter Lisa (husband John) Copp and their children Charlie and Chloe; son Bryan (wife Megan) Koepf and their children Abby, Claire and Bennett; sister-in-law Ellie (the late Andrew “Pete”) Lindsay; sister Marjory (the late Thomas) Clay, and sister Sally (husband Jack) Slattery. She also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Jane graduated from Allegheny College in 1964 where she met Warren, her husband of 60 years. After their marriage that summer, Jane and Warren eventually settled in East Grand Rapids, MI. Jane became very involved with the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority Alumni Chapter and the Junior League of Grand Rapids. She spent her career working in education, first as a 6th grade teacher at Breton Elementary and then as an academic counselor at Davenport College. During this time, she also managed to acquire her master’s degree from Western Michigan University. It was through many of these organizations that she met most of her lifelong friends and formed their famous “gourmet group” and “bridge group.” She enjoyed playing golf, tennis, taking walks with friends, and painting. Anyone who knew Jane would attest that she was the epitome of kindness and compassion. She carried herself through life with class, humor and the most loving heart. Her five grandkids brought her the most joy! She loved having “tell me up” story time, playing the clothes chute game, crafting, and baking her famous chocolate chip cookies with all of them. The Koepf/Copp family annual vacations to Breckenridge, CO, and Gilbert Lake, WI, became her cherished memories. In 2018, Jane was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This disease may have impacted her ability to remember certain people, places and things, but her sweetness, silly sense of humor and knack of making people feel special never left. She remained deeply connected to her one true love Warren until the end, an unbreakable bond. They moved to Lake Bluff, IL, in 2021 to be near family. A larger “family” was formed as Jane was able to create special bonds with her dedicated, amazing caregivers. A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Martha Jane Koepf on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Union Church of Lake Bluff, 525 East Prospect Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044. To view a livestream of the service, please visit the church's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UnionChurchOfLakeBluff. For information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com. For those wishing to leave a lasting tribute to Jane’s memory, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate.

Martha Jane Koepf

April 22, 1942 - July 28, 2024