Jan F. Copher's Obituary
Jan was born January 29, 1920 in Lincoln County, Oklahoma and passed away at home on August 13, 2015 with her children at her side. Jan was the 7th of 9 children born to John and Sarah Ann Mankin. Jan met Carl in August 1939 and they eloped on August 8, 1940. They went to a different county to keep it a secret, but it didn’t work because their marriage was posted in the paper the next day. Jan had three babies from 1942 to 1945 (17 and 19 months apart) while Carl worked as a civilian aircraft mechanic.In 1947 Carl found work in San Diego, so Jan moved from Shawnee, Oklahoma by train to San Diego to be with him. Traveling on the train with three young children was a huge task and Mom always remembered the nice sailor who helped her. Jan was a homemaker until her children were well into their school years, then she went to work outside the home. She started in food services at San Diego City College. There she met Mary Nelson who later who later encouraged her to come and work at SDSU. She became bake shop manager and retired in 1987 after 30 years.Jan loved being around family and friends. She made everyone feel comfortable when coming to their home. She enjoyed traveling in their RV, playing cards, cooking and sewing. Her apple and berry cobblers were favorites, especially with the grandchildren. She became familiar with using the iPad at the age of 92 and was able to communicate with family members throughout the US and as far away as Sweden. Jan was preceded in death by Carl Copher her husband of 74 years, her parents and siblings. She is survived by her children Carla (Art) Stickley of Escondido, CA, Peggy (Jim) Smith Magoon of Menifee, CA and Keith (Marilyn) Copher of Nampa, ID; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
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