Irene Dluzneski Kopjanski's Obituary
Irene Dluzneski Kopjanski of Boston, Virginia, avid horsewoman and farm girl, peacefully passed away June 2, 2018 after a brief illness. Irene was born in 1929 and raised in Monroe Connecticut on a dairy farm with her parents, Ignatz and Mary Dluzneski along with her brother, Frank. At a young age, she rode the farm horses and later evolved into competitively showing registered Quarter Horses. She had several award winning years in the New England and New York State area as well as Columbus, Ohio. In the early 1950’s, she met her husband, Len Kopjanski, and had two children, Cindy Thornhill of Culpeper, VA and Gary Kopjanski. She was pre-deceased by her son, Gary and former husband, Leonard.
She is survived by daughter, Cindy Thornhill and her daughter, Brittany T. Ford and her husband, Warren Ford and their son, James Leonard Ford and daughter-in-law Melanie Kopjanski and her four children; Hanna Kopjanski, Maddie Kopjanski, Andrew Leonard Kopjanski, and Benjamin Gordon Kopjanski, all of Boston, VA.
Irene was recognized by the State of Connecticut with a Life Time 4-H Leadership Award after more than 40 years of service and commitment to the State and local 4-H Horse programs. She touched the lives of many young people as a volunteer 4-H Leader of Pineview Horseman 4-H Club. Her influence is still felt by former club members and was just evidenced by testimonials from former 4-H’ers and friends Judy Moody Rose of Montanna, Shari Manely of Monroe, and Donna D. VanWaalwijk of Newtown.
Irene moved with her faithful companions, horse Dunni and dog, Codi to Virginia about fifteen years ago to be near her children. There she was an active member of the Rappahannock County Senior Center where she made new friends in her new life.
The family would like to invite all friends to a Celebration of her Life at the Rappahannock County Senior Center on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. for a luncheon and social. Donations to the Senior Center in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
In addition, there will be a “boots & jeans” graveside service in Monroe, Connecticut at Cutlers Farm Road cemetery on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 11 a.m. with social to follow at the home of her sister-in-law Marion Dluzneski at 25 Old Colony Rd Monroe, CT. All are welcome.
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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