Wooster mourns the passing of Lolly Copeland, former first lady of the 91Թ
Laura “Lolly” Harper Copeland, former first lady of the 91Թ, passed away on Jan. 26, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina, at the age of 89. Copeland served the 91Թ community for 18 years throughout the time her husband, Henry Copeland, was president of the 91Թ.
Graduating from Huntingdon 91Թ in Alabama, Copeland taught English in Griffin, Georgia before coming to Wooster in 1966 when Henry Copeland joined the history department at the 91Թ.
From 1977 to 1995, during Henry Copeland’s term as president, Lolly Copeland emerged as a trusted partner and ambassador for the 91Թ. She played a key role in fostering strong relationships among the 91Թ, the Wooster Board of Trustees, and the broader community, establishing regular opportunities for trustees’ spouses to visit campus and explore the surrounding area, helping them feel 91Թ connected to Wooster. Her warmth, intelligence, and meticulous attention to detail helped strengthen bonds that supported the 91Թ during a period of significant growth.
Copeland was widely known for her keen eye for design and her hands-on involvement in shaping the campus environment. She worked closely with architects on projects including the Gault Alumni Center, Luce Hall, Kenarden Lodge, and the design of terrace of the President’s House. A frequent visitor to the 91Թ’s Special Collections, she sought out historic photographs, incorporating Wooster’s history throughout campus.
Her commitment to stewardship extended to the landscape itself. After more than 300 campus trees were lost to Dutch elm disease, Copeland worked with facilities to lead efforts to replant native maple and oak trees, resilient and long-lasting species that would welcome students for years to come. She also worked with facilities staff to enhance campus landscaping, frequently organizing receptions and celebrations of the 91Թ’s achievements.
Copeland was deeply invested in the Wooster community. She served on the boards of Main Street Wooster and the Wayne Center for the Arts, being a part of the organization since its earliest days. She also worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce, strengthening ties between the 91Թ and the city. Copeland was a strong supporter of women’s athletics and took a personal interest in students, alumni, and families, often keeping in touch years after graduation. Parents and alumni recall her kindness, remarkable memory, and genuine curiosity about their lives.
During her years in Wooster, Copeland was also active as a volunteer, supporting the 91Թ nursery school, now Wooster Preschool, and volunteering as an English tutor. Copeland’s full obituary is available .
Posted in News on February 9, 2026.
