Myra M. Kopf

Myra Malley Kopf, 80, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015, peacefully at her home in Queenstown, MD, with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Paul Kopf, daughters, Karen Hussey (J.P.) of Ellicott City MD, Kathy Costello (Jim) of Downingtown, PA, and Denise Aster (Jeffrey) of Drexel Hill, PA. She was a loving grandmother to her six grandchildren, Kelly, Kevin, Sara, Devin, Erica, and Laura; and one great-grandchild, Owen. She was predeceased by her mother and father, Julie and Leander Malley; siblings, Donald Malley, Larry Malley, and Judy Malley. She is survived by siblings, Betty Malley Bentz (Stan) of Long Beach MS, Ned Malley (Rose) of Venice LA; and Linda Malley Williams (Mike) of Sierra Vista, AZ. She was so loved by her family. Myra attended St. John’s Elementary and High School in Gulfport, MS, before graduating as a registered nurse from Mercy Hospital-Street Memorial School of Nursing in Vicksburg, MS. She met her husband, Paul, at a Keesler AFB USO while he was in the Air Force stationed in Biloxi. They were married in 1956, eventually settling in Upper Darby, PA. For two decades, Myra worked as a school nurse, serving boys with developmental disabilities at Don Guanella School in Delaware County, PA. After moving full-time to Queenstown, MD, she enjoyed playing Maj Jongg, fellowship in the St. Christopher’s Walking with Purpose bible study, as a volunteer companion with Compass Hospice and a Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Myra’s strong Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her long and happy life. Myra held a strong connection to her family and community. She was a skilled seamstress, excellent first mate on their boats, very handy with her own set of tools, and always a problem solver. She often provided quiet, meaningful wisdom and comfort to her wide circle of family and friends when they needed it most. She welcomed all to her home with open arms and took great joy in allowing many visitors to experience the wonders of the Wye River for their first time and for many visits thereafter. Myra was always learning and studying the best ways to navigate life and the world. She was an avid traveler, experiencing as many new destinations as she could with her husband, family and friends. She was very creative, especially known for adventurous family treasure hunts, designed with cunning clues for loved ones to find special gifts which she thoughtfully handmade. Visitation will be on Thursday December 3, 2015, from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newman Funeral Home in Chester, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday December 4, 2015, at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Chester, MD. Entombment will be in Stevensville Country Cemetery immediately following. Flowers are welcomed, or donations in Myra’s memory made to Compass Regional Hospice, 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617.

Myra M. Kopf

June 26, 1935 - November 24, 2015