Remembering Rebecca Copeland

Rebecca Copeland was on a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon after recently earning her master’s degrees in public health and public policy. Her trip took place just weeks prior to starting her career in public service. Tragically, she lost her life during a flash flood on July 15. She was 29.

“She always wanted to help, in a pure way,” recalled her mother, Liz Copeland. “Her sole purpose was to make things better for the underserved.”

During one summer break from college at Vanderbilt University, Copeland–a Highland Park native–worked to bring fresh produce to underserved communities in food deserts in Nashville, and to educate residents on the importance of a healthy diet.

Copeland earned her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt in medicine, health, and society. Then, in May, just weeks before her death, she graduated from the University of Michigan with master’s degrees from the School of Public Health and from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. She also earned a prestigious David A. Winston Health Policy Scholarship.

After graduation, she was to begin a position at the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Her brother, Jonathan, said he felt her career choice fit her personality and goals. “While most of us… sit and complain about our healthcare system, Rebecca felt the need to tackle the problem. She took this approach towards everything,” he said.

The Rebecca A. Copeland Fund for Social Justice has been set up in her honor, currently as a Donor-Advised Fund through the Jewish Federation of Chicago. The money raised will initially be used to fund scholarships at the University of Michigan in the dual master’s degree programs Copeland was part of. The family’s intention is to support the ideals Rebecca believed in by assisting others with similar objectives.

Reflecting on the unfulfilled promise of her life, her father, David Copeland, noted that, “her achievements are a source of pride, but also of sadness, as she had not completed her journey.”

Among the hundreds of condolences the family has received– including ones from many of her professors, deans, and fellow students– came a call from Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Rebecca had interned for the state during the early stages of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, working on the state’s action plan to respond to the crisis.

In addition to her passion for advocacy, Copeland was a lover of nature–she relished hiking, biking, camping, and other activities in the great outdoors. “She could find nature everywhere, even in the city,” said her sister, Sarah Kozin. “If you are a close friend of Becca’s, you have spent time in nature with her. She is part of nature.”

On her drives between Chicago and Ann Arbor, her mother said that Rebecca “discovered a state park near South Haven and would drive an hour out of her way just to jump in the lake, walk on the beach, or watch the sun set. She didn’t want to reach a destination; she wanted to enjoy the journey. She rarely went anywhere in a straight line.”

Rebecca’s brother, Jonathan, commented, “She always had a zest for life, and never lost that endless wonder of childhood. She recognized the infinite richness of the world. Rebecca was in her element in the Grand Canyon. I can assure you… she was already in heaven.”

Rebecca Abigail Copeland was the deeply loved daughter and shining light of Elizabeth and David Copeland and the devoted and beloved sister of Sarah (Jason) Kozin and Jonathan (Mallory Lustbader) Copeland. She was the adored aunt of Warren Kozin, and the cherished granddaughter of Edward and Ann Elins; Celia and the late Peter Copeland; and the late Judy Pearl. Rebecca was a dear niece, cousin and friend of many. While she lived in Ann Arbor, Mich., her funeral was held at the North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park. Arrangements were made by Shalom Memorial Funeral Home.