Deborah P. Kopera

Deborah “Debbie” (Wayne) Kopera, 77, passed away peacefully at home on September 5, 2026. She was born on October 21, 1948, in Havre De Grace, Maryland. Debbie was the beloved daughter of Margaret “Peggy” (Cheek) Wayne and Wiley “Rex” Hines, and was lovingly raised by her stepfather, Paul Wayne.

Debbie was the devoted wife of the late Len Kopera, with whom she shared 49 years in marriage before his passing in 2017.

Debbie is survived by her sons, Dave and Bryan, Bryan’s wife Lucy and their children Cameron and Zachary. She is also survived by her brother Gary Wayne, her sister Pamela Breedlove, her 'northern cousins' Judy Walker and Linda Davidson, along with all the cherished extended family & cousins in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Sparta, North Carolina. Debbie was preceded in death by her sister Margaret “Lynn” Smith, and brother Michael Hines.

Debbie graduated from Dallastown Area High School in 1966. She so enjoyed those lifelong connections with her classmates, and keeping those contacts close by attending the many reunions and monthly breakfast gatherings in her retirement years.

Debbie worked at Wiest's Department Store in downtown York during/after high school, before moving on to the County Assistance Office, where she worked a few years following the birth of her eldest son. In the mid 70s, she decided to take a pause with work and become a full-time mother after the birth of her youngest son. She returned to work in the 1980s at Community Services, while also attending evening classes at York College of PA where she earned her associates degree in accounting. Debbie ultimately went on to again work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from where she retired following nearly 20 years of service.

Active, energetic, with a never-ending zest for life, Debbie loved her fitness classes and activities including pickleball, Zumba, exercising, dancing, swimming at the community pool, bicycling the rail trail, and her daily walks through the neighborhood and community park. The outdoors provided her such delight with all of nature's critters, and of course too, the neighborhood cats that she has welcomed into our home along the way.

Her happiest moments were spent with her family—especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Debbie so adored her esteemed friends that she had met along life's journey. She certainly held on tight to those memories these past years, as looking back through the piles of pictures and cards became one of her treasured daily pastimes.

A public Celebration of Life with prayer service (at a family friend's rustic gathering event barn) is scheduled for Sunday November 8th 1:00 PM at 2905 Freysville Rd, Red Lion, PA 17356. Valet parking with usher assistance will be provided. The family extends with warmest of welcome for all to come on out to share with their love and remembrance of Debbie. The setting is comfort casual with a touch of ambiance, bunches of smiles (perhaps a few tears), beverages and chow, and certainly a few tunes & melodies to ignite that peace and passion within your soul.

Debbie will be forever remembered for her vibrant spirit. Ever so committed with her abundant and generous sharing of love, respect, charity, compassion, empathy, community engagement, and kindness onto others.

With a gentle embrace to all who have known her. May your hearts beat strong and shall those pleasant memories never to fade.