Jeanne Coppillie
1946 - 2026
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Mike Thompson posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Tiit, Marcelle and Family, I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Jeanne. Although I only met her a few times, she was a very kind lady. My thoughts go out to you all during this most difficult time.
Mike Thompson
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Jim Blackwood posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Condolences to the family. I met her at EPRH when I worked and played at her retirement party. She was such a lovely woman.
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April Murray posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, March 19, 2026
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My deepest condolences to Tit and Marcelle and all the family the was a lovely person Teacher, and Next door Neighbor. Will be dearly missed.
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Ken Nichols posted a condolence
Monday, February 16, 2026
To Tiit and family-So sorry to hear of Jeanne's passing. Our connection was through the Ski Atlantic Seniors Club which in turn led to the world of music and our group effort-"Slip Sliding Away". We had a good time trying to come up with tunes we all could play and then Jeanne slipping in a french tune. And seeing Tiit and Jeanne and the Gunns, plus their ski gear all piling into one vehicle. A few great memories. Take care Tiit, Jeanne will be missed by many.
Ken and Janet Nichols
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Karen English posted a condolence
Saturday, February 14, 2026
We are very sad to hear of Jeanne's passing. We are among many whose lives she touched with her enthusiam and joie de vivre. We will miss her. Sincere condolences to Tiit and family. Karen and Trevor English
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Elaine Gunn posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Jeanne has been an integral part of our lives and that of our daughters.
As we join Tiit in grieving Jeanne’s death, we are reminiscing about all of the joys and laughter shared with each and every encounter and about: our enduring close friendship with her for over 45 years: the watercolour and card game instruction at the cottage; literary book discussions; travelling to places that we would never think about visiting; the music she shared and played with John; and the introduction to people who now populate our circle of friends. One can rarely find a photo of Jeanne in our albums because she was our photographer extraordinaire who documented our family’s growth and adventures.
Jeanne’s vitality and personality have so enriched our lives ... and we are truly grateful to have known her. Her presence will be missed but our relationship with her will always remain in our hearts.
The Gunn family (John, Elaine, Jennifer & Kayla)
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Susan Green posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
It is a joy to read this beautiful and loving tribute of a woman who shared her many gifts with so many and across such a multitude of diverse spaces. Our world is richer because of such wonderful humans.
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Teresa McEachern posted a condolence
Sunday, February 8, 2026
It is so sad to lose such a great friend and socialite!! Jeanne got energy from people and it was always fun to be in her circle, whether that was skiing or playing music or just hanging out. We had many great jams in New Glasgow and of course Main River!! We are lost without our fearless leader!! Tiit, thank you for being the scullery maid so Jeanne was free to jam for days on end!! My deepest condolences to you, Marcelle, Sue, Nick and Gavin. You are in my thoughts constantly. RIP Jeanne
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Helen Bowker pledged to donate to Pictou County VON
Friday, February 6, 2026
In honour of Jeanne Copillie
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Heln Bowker posted a condolence
Friday, February 6, 2026
My heart is with you Marcelle, Sue, Tiit, Nick and Gavin. I am so sorry for the loss of your mum, wife and grandmum. Sending you all the love from out west. Hugs and love to you all.
Helen
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Dorothy Jahnke posted a condolence
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Dear Tiit, Marcelle, Sue, Nick and Gavin,
Our world has said ‘au revoir’ to a very special partner, mother, Nana, and dear friend. All of us share in your deep sadness.
Jeanne and I met while teaching in Jamaica back in 1967, and she has been a loyal and caring friend in all these years.
We have many shared adventures, starting with a three week ‘cruise’ sleeping on deck on a small passenger/cargo boat plying the Caribbean, and exploring its unique islands enroute to Trinidad during the school holiday.
Jeanne has lived her life to the full, always curious, intrepid, and loving life each and every day.
She dropped everything to fly out to Vancouver to be my support, after a serious accident, and was so caring and generous, in big ways and small, all the years we’ve known each other.
Our group of four friends were fortunate enough to have a reunion in Jamaica after 50 years, just before the pandemic, and Jeanne and Tiit hosted us in their always welcoming home in New Glasgow the summer before last.
The ‘cinco psychos’ as we called ourselves, were another unlikely group of women, who made numerous memorable road trips to the far reaches of Atlantic Canada. These would never have happened without Jeanne as our fearless leader.
Tiit, you and Jeanne shared a special love, and though your heart is breaking now, I know you will always treasure each and every moment of your lives together over so many wonderful years.
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Jane Cowell posted a condolence
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Dear Tiit, Marcelle, Sue, Gavin and Nick,
My heart is very heavy with this sad news.
Tiit you have written a beautiful tribute to your dear Jeanne. You have captured her adventurous spirit and her wonderful talents!
Jeanne was my grade 12 English teacher in 1973 in small town New Brunswick. We had never experienced such a creative and fun teacher! Jeanne broke the mold. She challenged us to analyze songs , books , poetry. I did a piece on the songs of Dory Previn , I submitted the album , Jeanne fell in love with Dory Previn and the rest is history. Jeanne was one of my very dear friends since the early 70ties. I watched Marcelle grow up and watched the love between Tiit and Jeanne grow. It was a thing of beauty. We had so many adventures and trips and visits in the east and west coast and Greece . Jeanne was a gem. She built very strong friendships everywhere she went. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful folks who have become friends through Jeanne.
She was a gem and I will miss her dearly. So Jeanne, I will be singing the 20 Mile Zone on all our road trips in your honour. Tiit , you are on my mind and in my heart. I will miss you dear Jeanne. Love all of you and see you in June.
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Chris Anderson posted a condolence
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Ah, what a sad piece of news to receive. Jeanne taught me in grades 10 and 12 at East Pictou. I'm reflecting on some of my time as her student, and recognizing what a surprisingly outsized impact she made on my life.
- One day we were reading an article on languages and only two of them, according to the article, were growing in use instead of shrinking: mandarin and spanish. I decided on taking spanish in Uni as a result and ended up making it my minor.
- Introducing me to Le Petit Prince, which remains one of my all-time favourite books.
- Providing memorable assignments and learning experiences, including the last project I did in high school which my groupmates and I laugh about to this day.
- Introduction to a variety of art forms that I hadn't experienced before - spoken word albums, ancient Greek drama (some admittedly landing more than others) - just the exposure to these types of things widened and enriched my perspective.
Jeanne was always kind, always warm, and always respectful of her students. Sometimes, the way she'd react to things that happened would hint that the only thing keeping her from laughing outright was her professionalism, but you might catch the most fleeting hint in her eye.
She was lovely, and if there is a silver lining to this dark cloud, it's that I had the opportunity to remember this wonderful teacher and learn a bit more about her life. To her family and dear friends, I extend my most sincere condolences and wish you great strength in the coming days.
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John MacLean posted a condolence
Thursday, February 5, 2026
My sincere condolences to Tiit and the rest of Jeanne's family. I was one of Jeanne's students in extended core French at EPRH, and she taught with my mother Anne at both SHS and EPRH. Jeanne also worked backstage in our musical productions, and I am just thinking of her "roughing me up" to play Bill Sykes in Oliver! in grade 12. It was a treat to read her obituary and see what an incredible life that she lived beyond being our teacher. I hope that you get a chance to celebrate her life with family and friends. Merci, Madame, et a bientot!
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Candice Ross pledged to donate to Pictou County Food Bank East
Thursday, February 5, 2026
First time I met your mom we were all enjoying tasty food at Sam’s, so this donation seems fitting.
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Elana Macdougall posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
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Deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Jeanne. I will always remember Miss Coppillie as an amazing teacher. She had such a magical way of connecting with all of her students and making each of us feel that we were so gifted and talented. Engaging teenage students in learning languages that they had no base knowledge of to build upon was quite a feat. Somehow, she made her lessons interesting and no matter how terrible we were, we all chose her classes and even joined her at lunch time for the opportunity to learn a 3rd language. Why would any teenager choose to give up lunch to stay in class? Simply because it presented an opportunity to spend time with someone passionate and full of joy. She inspired me greatly and is partially responsible for my career path of being a school Principal in a French city! In this moment of reflection imagine how magical a school would be with a faculty full of Ms Coppillies! Elana MacDougall
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Jane Taylor posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Dear Tiit:
Sending you my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Jeanne. What an accomplished and beloved woman. Reading all the tributes, it’s obvious she’ll be missed by so many, not the least, her many students.
Sincerely,
Jane Taylor
Stellarton
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Rachel Mason Tree lit a candle
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
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Sending condolences, Ms. Coppillie was a wonderful woman. She taught me French in grade 12 and made a huge impact in my life.
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Janet MacDonald posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
I am so sorry that you have to say goodbye to this terrific lady. In our meetings as parents, educators and friends, I don't remember finishing a conversation without laughter. Sending heartfelt condolences to Tiit and Marcelle and all those who loved Jeanne.
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Anne Downing posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Dear Tiit, family and fellow sweet friends of Jeanne… I was deeply saddened learning that Jeanne has left us to, without doubt, celebrate her next adventure. Jeanne is the reason I fluently speak French, and moved to a French community to spend my life living among the French Acadian people in South West Nova Scotia…she was truly a linguistic inspiration. But even more special she was to me, Jeanne is the reason I play guitar and sing. After our lesson, in class, she would more often than not, get her guitar out and teach us music, most often a French song, still teaching us language but blessing us with her talent and generosity. I have profited by that inspiration with a lifetime of melody and accolades. One other treasure she shared was in our Drama club. She was not alone in that effort however, she certainly made it a most wonderful memory for myself and I’m sure others. Jeanne will be dearly missed, as a teacher, as a beautiful soul and as a friend to many. She will live on in our hearts for everything she shared with enormous care and joy. My only regret…I had a possible chance to cross paths with her again a few years ago and was sadly, and regrettably, unable to do so… how I wish I could have told her all of this, and more, in person. Hugs in Heaven, Jeanne.
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Danny Allan posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
I have so many awesome memories of being in Jeanne Copillie's class. I came to love speaking French and learned so much from her which I carry to this day. She was a fantastic teacher! Condolences to the family.
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Michael and Soo posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Dear Tiit and Family, We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jeanne. We offer our condolences and hope that you will find comfort in the memories you hold of her cheer and love. I especially remember her music and encouraging me to play my saxophone. She is the only person I have ever played music with.
Her many visits with us and always warm welcome whenever and wherever we met will always be remembered.
May she rest in peace until her reincarnation.
Michael and Soo
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Norm and Jean Ferguson lit a candle
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
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Our sincere Sympathy to Tiit and family.
So very sorry for to hear this ..
Many wonderful memories of her teaching days at Stellarton High…a great French teacher ..
Sincerely, Norm and Jean Ferguson and family .
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Tara Carruthers posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
So sorry to hear of Ms. Coppillie's passing. I remember her as one of my favourites from SHS...such a zest for life and a wonderful teacher! Thinking of you and your family, Mr. Ulesso...
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Lisa Chapman posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
I was just talking about her being my favorite teacher a few days ago. So sad to hear of her of her passing. I still remember her writing about Richard being a bad influence on me in french class on my report card. I still smile to this day thinking about it. I also loved when she would show her slide show of her travels during class, she was no doubt the most interesting person I have ever personally met.She lived a very full life that most people could only dream of. My condolences to her family and friends especially Tiit. I don't think I have ever seen one without the other since the 1980s.
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Chris Poulain posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
My condolences to Tiit and family. It's been 40+ years since i was in her class but i remember her well. Thanks for being a great teacher Jeanne!
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Brian Kerrigan posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Such a remarkable life of creativity and adventure. My thoughts and love to Tiit and the whole family.
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Steve MacLeod posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
My condolences to the family. A beautiful obituary for someone who could have been called “The Most Interesting Woman in The World”. Fly high…
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Peggy Burton posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
I am so sorry to hear the news.
Jeanne was such a bright star in the lives of all those who knew her.
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Martine Thiebaut-Le Caloch posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Dear Tiit, dear Marcelle,
Je n’oublierai jamais Jeanne. Je pense très fort à vous , à ses deux petits -fils, à tous ses proches.
Martine Thiébaut-Le Caloch
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Cindy Rizzotti posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
I was saddened to read this. Jeanne was one of my most favourite teachers in high school at SHS. She made learning French fun. Condolences to all her family and friends.
Cindy “Brown” Rizzotti
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Phyllis Glenn posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Only met Jeanne a short time ago at our Monday morning Duplicate classes but was immediately aware of her calming presence. She lovingly welcomed everyone and especially made we newer players feel so comfortable. A great loss. My condolences to Tiit and her family
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Robert and Debbie posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tiit and all family memories
We are so sorry to learn of Jeanne’s passing. As a staff member of the former EPRH school, Jeanne was noted as an excellent teacher and well respected by all the students. In retirement, Jeanne remained active and involved in community initiatives. Prayers and Peace to the memory of Jeanne.
Robert and Debbie Ferguson, Antigonish
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Sheila Hoeg posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
So sorry Tiit and family, such a great loss. Ms Coppillie taught all 3 of my children and I always remember them saying that she was a favourite teacher. Sincere condolences. May she rest in peace.
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Janice MacNeill posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
I am so very saddened to read this news. Tiit, she was a gem, and you two were the ideal couple. I am thinking of you with love and sympathy. Janice
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Sherry Cheek posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tiit and family...so sorry to hear of Jeanne's passing. We shared many happy times after we became acquainted at Stellarton High School. She was a wonderful lady who will be missed by all those of us who had the pleasure of knowing her.
My thoughts and prayers are sent to you during this most difficult time.
Sherry Cheek
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The family of Jeanne Coppillie uploaded a photo
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
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Tuesday
2
June
Celebration of Life
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Little Harbour Community Centre
4892 Little Harbour Rd.
Little Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada
(902)752-7426
Contact Us
P & K MacDonald Funeral Home
536 Merigomish Road P.O. Box 215
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia B2H 5E3
P: (902) 752-8866
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E: info@pkmacdonald.ca
