Audrey Jean (Bjunes) Copeland, 83, passed away on Saturday, February 21, in Holland, Michigan surrounded by the love of her family.

Audrey was born on August 10, 1942, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Edward and Violet Bjunes. After graduating from Sault Ste. Marie High School in 1960, she continued her education at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology branch in Sault Ste. Marie, later transferring to the University of Michigan, where she earned her degree in secondary education. In 1964 she married William (Bill) Copeland, and they welcomed their first child in 1965.

Audrey began her teaching career in the Houghton–Hancock area while Bill completed his degree. When Bill’s ROTC commitment brought the young family first to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and then to Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, Audrey embraced each move with grace. The family arrived in Fairbanks just in time to experience the historic earthquake and flood of 1967—an early test of the resilience that would shape their life in Alaska.

When Bill’s military service ended, they chose to make Fairbanks their home. There, they welcomed three more children and built a log house in the hills north of UAF. That home—The House in College Hills—became the heart of the family. Audrey’s dedication and love shaped it into a place where everyone felt safe, welcomed, and deeply connected. She was the center of the family’s orbit, the one who brought everyone together. Family dinners, holidays, and most birthdays were held under her roof, where laughter and warmth were constants. Audrey remained in the family home until moving to Michigan in 2022 where she spent her remaining years.

A lifelong educator, Audrey taught social studies at Lathrop High School before joining the faculty at West Valley High School when it opened in 1975, eventually retiring as the Social Studies Department Head in 1997.  She served for many years as a Class Advisor, walking alongside multiple groups of students through all four years of their high school journey. Even in retirement, Audrey continued to teach—substituting, proctoring exams, leading Life-Long Learning courses, and teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her passion for history and education touched thousands, and former students frequently shared how her influence provided valuable life-long guidance.

Family was the joy of Audrey’s life, and her legacy shines brightly through the generations who survive her. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Amy McKenzie, Kathryn (Jeff) Jennings-Monck, Peter (Melissa) Copeland, and Bryan (Stephanie) Copeland. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Natasha Prax, Colin and Hayden McKenzie, Jillian (Joe) Jennings, Rob Monck, Madison and Alaina Copeland, and RJ and Amanda Copeland. Many of her grandchildren spent part of their lives living with her, and she served as a second mother, guide, and unwavering source of support to them. She was deeply loved, and they carry her influence with them always.

Audrey was blessed with great-grandchildren as well: Viktor and Nicholas Prax, Isaiah and Janaiah Copeland, Avery and Devlin Jennings, Cash and Kaleia Copeland, Jace Finkel, and Cruz McKenzie. She is also survived by her brother, John Bjunes, and her Aunt Audrey Bush, both of Sault Ste. Marie, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her former husband, Bill.

Audrey’s family will gather privately at a later date to celebrate her life, share stories, and honor the love she gave so generously.

Her presence will be missed every day, but her love will remain with us—steady, comforting, and everlasting.

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