CJ (Cathy Jean) Copenhaver, age 74, passed away peacefully at her home in Marion, VA on July 5. CJ was born and raised in Marion. She graduated from Marion Senior High School and Virginia Tech.

She met her life partner, Deb Harlan, in D.C. while she was a police officer in Fairfax County, VA. That “arrest” was the beginning of a fifty yearlong love affair and marriage. Together they pursued various careers as they traveled throughout the United States. During their work and travels, they made lifelong friends and memories. CJ was employed for many years at SWVMHI where she impacted and changed the lives of a great number of people.

CJ will live long in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her. Memories of her stories about her escapades will linger for years to come. CJ touched many lives not only in her professional work but also in everyday interactions. She was a spiritual person who shared kindness and lifted up all with whom she came in contact. She kept up new and old friendships and always had a warm smile. She was a gift to everyone she met. CJ had a humble nature and always wanted to repay a non-existent debt. As a lifelong Democrat, she worked for the rights of all people.

CJ was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Betty Copenhaver, and two brothers, Roger and Curtis Copenhaver. She is survived by her spouse, Deb Harlan, and her faithful canine companions, Wiley and Peanut. She is also survived by and worshiped by the feral cat colony which she tended. In addition she is survived by many family members and friends who have loved her since they were blessed to know her.

There will be no public service.

You may honor CJ’s memory by making a donation to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203. You may also donate online at preserve.nature.org or by phone at 800-628-6860.

To share memories of Cathy Jean Copenhaver, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for CJ’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.