Longtime Burbank Unified educator dies, memorial planned

Longtime Burbank Unified School District educator Gail Copeland, who was born and raised in Burbank, died Jan. 12 from complications with cancer. She was 73.

Copeland served the district for more than 42 years, spending the last 18 as principal of Joaquin Miller Elementary before retiring in 2003.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Copeland; her daughter, Chris Copeland — who is also a Burbank Unified teacher — and her son, Robert, and his wife Marci; along with two grandchildren.

“She was loved by many and she will never be forgotten,” said her daughter Chris Copeland. “She helped a lot of people selflessly.”

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in her name. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at St. Jude’s Church, 111 South Sixth St. in Burbank.

-- Kelly Corrigan, Times Community News

Follow Kelly Corrigan on Twitter: @kellymcorrigan