Printed in the June 25, 2014 Omaha World-Herald

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Cope, Sylvia Brown

Mar 31, 1924 ~ Jun 22, 2014

Sylvia Brown Cope was born in Bennington, NE to Fred and Selma Paulsen on March 31, 1924. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Wes Brown and Norman Cope; her son Ronald Brown; and sisters, Frances Splittgerber, Fern Schneecloth, and Anita Holstein Johnson. She is survived by her sons, James and Vicki Brown and Kenneth and Mary Lou Brown; and daughter-in-law, Debra Brown; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Melissa and Kayla Prouty, Mara and Rusty Tamblyn, Megan and Kyle, Julia, Jade, and Grant Ringenberg, Amy and Blake, Hannah, Madison, and Carson Roux, Chris and Lindsay, Kaden, Conner, and Ellie Brown. She had a number of nieces and nephews for whom she was their only living aunt.

She grew up in Bennington and graduated high school there and later graduated from Omaha University. She began her teaching career in Douglas County rural schools and the last 26 years of her 37 years was a Kindergarten teacher at Minne Lusa Elementary School in Omaha. She was active in the Early Childhood Educators International, serving on local, state and national offices. She and Wes lived in the Benson area for 49 years and were members of the Benson Presbyterian Church. They wintered in Zapata, Texas in Cope’s RV Park until he passed away. She moved there permanently and married Norman Cope in 2000. She has been active in the Methodist Church, in the American Legion Aux., and served as Scholarship and Girls State Chairperson for many years. Both of her husbands served in WWII and were life members of the VFW. She was active in the Benson Post 2503 while in Omaha.

After Mr. Cope’s death she continued to manage the RV Park and the winter Texans that stayed there became her extended family. She loved and was loved by her family and the many friends in her long lifetime.

Celebration of Life Friday, 11am at Benson Presbyterian Church (5612 Corby St., Omaha, NE). Family receiving friends beginning at 10am. Private inurnment. Memorials can be directed to the church.

Braman Mortuary, 72nd St. Chapel, 1702 N. 72nd St. 402-391-2171

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public at Blair, Nebraska. ~~~