Nadine Copley

Nadine Ruth (Throop) Copley, 91, of Great Falls, Montana, left this world singing as she went home to be with her Heavenly Father and her husband of 69 years on May 4, 2024. She was surrounded by her three children when she took her last breath.

Nadine was born in Billings, Montana, on September 20, 1932, to her adoring parents, Miles and Sara Throop. She was raised on a small farm near Shepherd, Montana where she learned the importance of hard work and family. Nadine began taking tap dance lessons and piano lessons as a small child and continued those lessons throughout high school. Both music and dance continued to be an important part of her life until her final days. She was also active in 4-H and was so proud that she had the opportunity to represent Montana at National 4-H Congress in Chicago. After graduating from Billings Senior High School in 1950, Nadine attended Montana State College where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. It was at Montana State College that she was introduced to the love of her life, Donald Copley, by lifetime friends, Tom and Ruth Drummond.

Nadine married Don on June 20,1953 in Billings, Montana, where they lived until moving to Helena in 1966. Nadine worked two sessions in the Montana State Legislature before going to work for the Helena Public Schools as an administrative secretary. She treasured the many years she spent working with outstanding students, teachers, administrators, and specialists before retiring from the Helena Schools in 1987. She and Don enjoyed traveling with friends in retirement. They lived in Helena until moving to Great Falls in 2015.

Nadine truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. Those who knew her well knew she never met a stranger. Whether in the check-out line at the grocery store or the waiting room at the doctor’s office, she had a special way of reaching out and connecting with those around her. Compliments were one of her love languages, and she found something to compliment about everyone she encountered. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way.

Nadine was a member of P.E.O., Daughters of the Nile, and Eastern Star and volunteered her time to many organizations including Camp Make-A-Dream, the Presbyterian Church, Special Olympics, local elementary schools, and Reach to Recovery - a program of the American Cancer Society that helps people cope with their breast cancer experience. As a two-time breast cancer survivor herself, she was recognized by the mayor of Helena with a “Nadine Copley Day” for her work supporting individuals with breast cancer through Reach to Recovery.

Nadine enjoyed entertaining and played the piano regularly throughout her life. Most recently, she played for the residents at the Iris in Great Falls while living there for six years. Although her playing slowed down considerably while living at the BeeHive the past two years, she continued to play her signature piece “In the Mood” whenever she passed by the piano. But Nadine’s favorite pastime, without a doubt, was following the lives and activities of her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted mother whose source of greatest pride was her family. No one loved more deeply or unconditionally than Nadine Copley. She loved with every piece of her heart.

Nadine was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents and in-laws, and her brothers-in-law Jim Copley and Dick DeVries.

Nadine is survived by children Sue (Don) Harter of Gillette, WY, Tom (Pam) Copley of Missoula, MT, Jane (Jim) Suberg of Highwood, MT, sisters-in-law Linda DeVries of Malta, MT, and Claire Copley of Des Moines, IO. Nadine is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Dale, Sarah, Jacob, Paul, Andy, Melissa, and Miles; her great-grandchildren Britton, Taylor, Ethan, Ray, Kacy, Emma, Heavenly, Colten, Kyler, Bentley, Bronson, Ellis, Emerson, Graham, Carter, and Grady; and her great-great-grandchildren Reverie, Easton, and Briggs. She also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the BeeHive Linden House, Dr. Carey Welsh and the staff at the Great Falls Northwest Clinic, and niece Julie Flamand for the special love and care they provided Nadine in her final years.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 27, at 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Helena, Montana. Memorials can be made to Camp Make-A-Dream, Special Olympics, or an organization of the donor’s choice.

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