“Evy” Evelyn Coppola
“Evy”, Evelyn Lillian Coppola, age 74, passed away peacefully on December 27,2014 at her home in St Louis, Missouri with her loved ones by her side.
She was born March 31, 1940 in Buffalo, New York to Esther (nee Snyder) and Ralph Macy. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Charles “Mickey” Daugherty, Ralph “Bunky”, Nanette, and Robert “Bobby”. She is survived by her beloved daughter Michele Johnson (nee D’Ercole), her loving granchildren; Corey and Tara Schattgen, her dear siblings; Dorothy “Dodi” Valvo, Norma Jean Bley and Laura “Lolly” Macy as well as many nieces and nephews. Over the course of her life she was a mentor and friend to many people.
She attended Nardin Academy in Buffalo, NY [expected Class of ‘59] then Lafayette High School and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1970 with husband Paul Coppola, and daughter, Shelly. Evy moved to St Louis, MO in the 1980s to be with her daughter and grandchildren. After spending many years there she moved to Corpus Christi, TX where she bought her home. Evy traveled extensively over her life, both professionally and for enjoyment. Her personal mission in life was “to help people get and stay well the natural way-offering solutions and ongoing support to stay empowered over their health”. This mission manifested itself in many ways.
Evy’s own words…
I was introduced to Nature’s Sunshine and their products over to 30 years ago. The opportunity came along to improve some nagging health issues when my automobile literally stalled in front of a Natural Therapeutic Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. Strange since that never happened before and didn’t happen again all the time I had that car. As it turned out when I walked into a very aesthetically pleasing office and inquired what they offered, I was told natural healing approaches including iridology and herbal therapies. I had heard about iridology before and was very interested and of course, the way that spirit works in our life, they just happened to have had an opening. So thus started my journey into wellness.
Nature’s Sunshine offered a school and I went to Utah to become a Natural Holistic Health Counselor. I met some of the top herbalists in the Country; most of which, have written the books on herbal therapies. I gained the experience and knowledge of applied kinesiology and nutrition and received certifications in each study. Then the door opened for me to learn Iridology from the Godfather of the study in our country, Dr. Bernard Jenson who taught not only the Iridology course but I gained more direction and information to grow further in my nutritional practice. Upon returning to my home in St. Petersburg, Florida, I took additional courses and workshops when offered including massage therapy at the Suncoast School of Massage in Tampa, Florida. Next was reflexology certification since St. Petersburg had one of the best schools for the study based on the Alma Ingham method who was the pioneer in the field. Along came yoga, which I excelled ultimately gaining flexibility that I never knew was possible plus increasing my lung and bronchial capacity eliminating bronchitis permanently.
I developed a yoga school with accreditation through the Yoga Alliance for Teacher Training and my students were certified nationally through the Yoga Alliance. I taught and trained others for approximately 18 years all the while offering individual consultation and weekend retreats for a holistic way of life for my clients including nutrition, weight management, herbal and vitamin supplements, craniosacral therapy, reflexology and meditation.
In addition to her pursuits in the area of holistic therapies, Evy was a published author. She wrote many articles that were published in Corpus Christie and St. Louis. She wrote a cookbook that was used as a fundraiser for Unity By the Sea of Corpus Christie. She also co-authored the book “Steps to Sucess”. Evy also enjoyed reading and was an active and devoted member of several book clubs. She was a proud member of the Christian Women’s Network and the Hispanic Women’s Network in Corpus Christie. Evy was also active in the political arena, serving as President of the Corpus Christie League of Women Voters for 2 years and as a board member for many additional years. She also was Chief of Staff for recent Candidate Chad Magill who won a seat on the City Council and she volunteered to help in Mayor Martinez’s campaign.
Evy was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in March of 2010. She chose to use her holistic training to help her with her treatment, only relying on traditional medical care sparingly. Her courage was an inspiration to many.
A Memorial Celebration Meditation will be held for Evy on Sunday, January 4th, 2015 at Vitality Unlimited, 29 West Moody Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119 beginning at 6:00 pm with refreshments following.
Please share your memories of Evy and messages of love for her family and friends below.
I Love you Mom…
Evy is such a Bright Light in the world.
I remember best her smile, it lit up the room. Her passion as a healer never stopped. May her light continue to shine thru the Hearts of everyone she touched. Jan Wells
I will remember Evy’s lively personality, her enthusiasm for exploring new ideas, her energy for helping others, and her energy for having fun. And, yes, for her good cooking. She was my neighbor, a fellow book club member, and my friend.
JoAnn Sanderson
What a lovely tribute for a life well lived. In the words of her favorite Frank Sinatra “She did it her way.” We’ll miss you Aunt Evy.
A lovely tribute for a life lived to the fullest. In the words of her favorite, Frank Sinatra,”She did it her way”. We’ll miss you Aunt Evy. Namaste.
Evy had a way of reaching out to everyone she met. She helped me to realize so much about myself and touched everyone she met. You are missed greatly evy.
Evy was a great friend, healer, inspiritional human being. I loved her. She was one of the strongest persons I have ever met. She helped me tremendously. She gave me confidence,support,love and true friendship. I will miss her dearily. Rest in Peace my friend. The Angels have you now.
Evy was a force of nature. She helped me recover from Epstein Barr Syndrome when the doctors were still claiming I did’t have it. She was a mother figure and true friend. I am proud to say that I created video of her that will help preserve the colorful memories. Fly high, Evy!
Meeting Evy changed my life. She served as a mentor to me in business and in life. Evy was not “easy” but as with most things in life, the best things worth having don’t come easy. Evy was worth knowing and loving. I treasure my relationship with her and will always appreciate the awareness and lessons she brought to my life. I loved her and will miss her dearly.
Evy was the one person I could trust with any confidence whether it was personal or health issues
and her advice & guidance helped me in so many ways. She left me with so many good memories and I will cherish them forever.
I love the yoga picture. This is so Evy! Pink like the Energizer Bunny… She always had so much energy, creativity, and spunk. I can’t imagine anything that she would have given up on once she decided to try it. She invented networking before we even knew what that was. I know she is still carrying on important work in a different fashion. Love you, Evy!
Evy,
You were a strong force in this human world with a servant’s heart to do good. I and many will miss you. Corpus Christi is a better place because of your contributions.
RIP
Nelda
Evy changed my life by introducing me to yoga and natural healing. Sometimes in life you come across another human being that you have a deep connection with and you don’t know why – that was how I felt about Evy. I will never forget you, Evy. Thank you for your mothering and mentoring me. Namaste.
What a uplifting reminder of Evy and her many accomplishments, her family, and friends! She would have been happy with all the smiling pictures. She will be missed! Her path is notable and she left her own brand on the many ways she moved to help others. We are fortunate to have been part of that path! PAX!
Evy was always smiling when I saw her. We always had wonderful conversations and I always walked away feeling cheerful.She was truly a gift to everyone who knew her. She will be missed.
Evy touched so many all over the world with her beautiful heart and amazing talents and gifts especially here in Corpus Christi, TX. God blessed us by sending Evy as our Earth Angel. We will miss her so much. Thank you Evy for all the great times we had together-yoga classes, walking by the beach, parties, dinners, and your oatmeal cookies they were the best. You were an amazing women. Peace, love, and a big hug to you my friend. Namaste.
Love,
Melinda and Moe
Evy’s smile, positive attitude, and strength are things I’ll remember. She was a wonderful yoga teacher and she taught me so much. I’ll never forget her.
RIP Evy,
Namaste
Evy was a bright, generous spirit who had substantial influence in my life.
Evy has left permanent fingerprints on my heart. Her effervescent, “can do” attitude was infectious and inspiring to all.
Shelly, know that she was very proud of you and always talked glowingly of you.
Denise and I got to know Evy in Corpus. She was a loyal friend, a joy to be around, and a force of nature. Know that she was very proud of her family. The world is a lesser place without her –
Juan
May you fly with the angels. Thanks for being an Island. Your smile will not be forgotten
Thank you, Michele, for sharing this with all of us who will remember Evy forever. Being her friend was truly an un- forgettable experience. She loved you and your family so dearly.
RIP Evy..your garden in Corpus was a reflection of you..thnx for sharing your life with me.
Evy was a force when she lived here in St. Louis. She forced people to do what was in their best interest. Determined she was, to make life better for anyone in her flock. She had “Tips” for all of us. And they worked.
When I took over ownership of the South Texas Women’s World Magazine, Evy was on my first business contact and from there we developed her magazine front cover/centerfold. Her business experience, encouragement, and networking skills inspired me in the beginning stages of becoming a business owner. I will forever be grateful for her being there to mentor, enlighten, guide, and encourage me and her dedication to women business owners. She was a hard worker, loved her family, and truly believed in a holistic way of living. R.I.P. Evy, I will never forget you. Thank you for all you did for us women starting out.
RIP dear auntie. You were a true inspiration and bravest person I know. you will be forever in our thoughts and hearts
Knowing Evy was an experience in itself. She will be missed dearly but remembered always by those whose life she touched.
Thank you Evy for all you did for us. Always taking time to help us even though you were busy.
We learned a lot from you. We will always treasure your hugs and friendship.
Michele, Corey and Tara we are very sorry for your loss.
some people come into our lives and quickly go .. some people stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same . we loved your smile! God Bless.
My condolences to the family. Eva was to me a beautiful soul. I learned so much from her. She was my Yoga teacher trainer. I loved my journey with her in 2002. I had no idea she had passed. I still look for her guidance. I pray she is enjoying heavenly pleasure. God bless everyone. I loved her so much and respected her as well. She will never be forgotten! Always in my heart Evy????