Calonae Dawne Copeland, 83, of Smethport, passed away Monday (December 2, 2024) at Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born September 9, 1941 in Saybrook, PA, the daughter of Carl Avery and Lucy Ella (Campbell) Nelson. On August 25, 1979, in Pittsburgh, PA, she married John R. Copeland, who survives. John and Calonae met at The Maples Inn in Crosby while dancing the night away. Together they have traveled the world and built a great legacy for their family. 

Mrs. Copeland was a graduate of Smethport High School Class of 1960 and was employed in various jobs over the years. Later in life, she enjoyed giving back to the community by volunteering her time at the Pink Elephant in Smethport.

Calonae was a member of the American Legion Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport, the Smethport VFW Post #2497, the Crosby and Smethport United Methodist Churches and the Norwich Twp. Fire Dept. Auxiliary.

Calonae never met a stranger; spending hours chatting while out running a simple errand. She loved playing the lottery and bingo.  In earlier years, she was a member of a bowling league.  Calonae enjoyed playing Euchre on Thursday nights at the VFW. She was an avid reader and loved sharing her baked goods with the community. Chances are if you’re reading this you enjoyed her chocolate-covered goodies. Calonae loved her cat, “Baby”, and spending as much time as possible with her family and friends. For almost five decades Calonae rooted for her beloved Pittsburgh Pirates while listening to them broadcast over the radio, and in most recent years, on television. Calonae could be heard from miles away screaming “Let’s Go, Bucs!” Above all else, Calonae loved being “Grandma Calonae.”

Calonae had a servant’s heart and often worried about others before herself, especially when it came to her husband, John.

Calonae’s name was as unique as her. Often mispronounced, Calonae (Kuh-lon-ee) is a Hawaiian name for “The Sky” and given by her mother who had a similarly named pen-pal from Hawaii in the 1930s.

Calonae will be deeply missed and is survived by:

Her daughter: Cindy L. Hamilton of Smethport

Grandchildren: Christi (Garry) Kisko, Tanya (Ryan) Brown, William Gaskin, Brianna Hunter, Robert Sherry, Jason Sherry, and Paul Betters.

Great grandchildren: Justin Burgess, Kadence (Valerie) Kisko, Baylee and Hayden Brown, Blandon, Korbin and Trent Hunter

Great-Great Grandson: Kian Kisko

Two brothers: Avery (Vicki) Nelson of Lewis Run and Doug (Deb) Nelson of Crosby

And several nieces and nephews who were loved as much as her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Calonae was preceded in death by her brother, Jonathan Nelson, her beloved son-in-law and handy man, Al “Ally” Hamilton, stepdaughters, Michele Sherry and Monique Overly, and grandson, Mark McCracken, 

In keeping with Calonae’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Private graveside services will be held with the family.Memorials may be made in Calonae’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.