Obituary of Mary Ann Kopas

Mary Ann Kopas passed away peacefully on Friday, May 7, 2021 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville. She had shared 78 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Joseph and Mary Ann, she was the only daughter of three children to bless the Novak household. At age 12, Mary Ann and her family relocated to Denville; she graduated from Morris Hills High School, Class of 1960. She married the love of her life, John (Jack) W. Kopas, in 1963 and eventually settled in Flanders to raise their family. A devout Catholic, she was active at St. Jude Parish as President of the Rosary Altar Society, then at St. Elizabeth Parish she was a CCD Teacher, and a current parishioner of Resurrection Parish in Randolph. She was also a member of the NJ Education Association and the Morris County Education Association.

 A hard worker, she was a Teacher’s Aide at Tinc Road School in Flanders for 23 years and was involved with many events and activities throughout her years there.

Mary Ann’s zest for life was contagious – she never met a stranger. Anyone who met her couldn’t help but love her, because they could feel the warmth she had for them. Although she could’ve been the Mayor, she was happy just meeting new people and putting smiles on as many faces as she could. She truly cared for everyone who was lucky enough to meet her, though her family was her pride and joy. Her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family could always find her beaming with joy in the crowd of whichever event was taking place whether it be a music, sporting, dance, or any other event. She never missed one.

Although we are deeply saddened by her sudden passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Jack and her parents: and that we have the greatest Guardian Angel watching out for the family.

She leaves a lifetime of memories to her adorned children, Chris & Christine Kopas, Karen & Doug Swenson, Kevin & Maria Kopas, and Katie and Kurt Keiser; her treasured grandchildren, Zach, Jack, Robbie, Mickey, Catherine, and Niko; her loving siblings, Joseph & Melodie Novak, Peter & Karen Novak; her treasured brother-in-law, whom she loved like a brother, Michael & Lois Kopas; and many more nieces and nephews and extended family and dear friends.

Public Walkthrough Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 12th from 4 - 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 13th at 11 am at Resurrection Parish, 651 Millbrook Ave, Randolph, NJ 07869. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery, Denville. In Mary Ann's memory, we ask that you spread love, light and healing, as she did; be kind to a stranger, pay it forward to someone in need, the little things matter so much, especially in today's world. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Mary Ann here to continue to celebrate the phenomenal life she endowed to us. In lieu of flower donations can be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital by way of www.inmemof.org.