Service January 26, 2018, 11 AM at Ascension Catholic Church, 743 SE 76th Ave., Portland, OR 97215,

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a private burial will follow at a later time.

Belinda Leppell Coppernoll, aged 64, passed away on January 16, 2018 at her home with her family at her bedside after a valiant struggle with cancer.  Belinda was born on June 23, 1953, in Spokane, Washington, the daughter of Yaeko Kito Leppell and Glenn Allen Leppell, a Korean War decorated sergeant in the Army/Air Force.

Belinda devoted her life to the care of others.  After graduating with honors at West Seattle High School, and a year at Central Washington State College, Belinda obtained her goal of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Washington Nursing School in June, 1975.  She graduated with honors.  That happy moment was quickly followed by an even happier one as she married the man she would spend the rest of her life with, Clinton John Coppernoll, on July 19, 1975.

Belinda chose to focus on bringing babies into the world, specializing as a RN in Labor and Delivery.  She had two of her own, her son Nathan Leppell Coppernoll born on June 28, 1979, and her daughter Coral Leppell Coppernoll on March 13, 1983.  Much to the consternation of her other family and her many friends she made throughout her life, Belinda chose to experience much of this great country during her life, living and working in Washington, Florida, New Mexico, California, Washington, DC, Maryland, and finally Portland, Oregon, which perhaps felt the closest in temperament to the Seattle area of her youth.  Usually she would choose opportunities to serve disadvantaged mothers over more lucrative slates, living her life according to the Catholic principles she was raised and practiced.

Because of that devotion to mothers and children, Belinda always maintained a high standard in practicing her profession, and in 1999 obtained a Masters Degree in Midwifery from the University of Florida.  Among other achievements, Belinda was very proud of her efforts as a Lactation Consultant and a champion of the value of breastfeeding babies instead of relying on unhealthy formulas.  Formulas that we now see today causing an explosion in infant obesity and other ailments.

Belinda’s final days were filled with loving family and close friends.  She remained devoted to her favorite prayer, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and when she could no longer speak the chaplet her husband and children spoke the words with her during her final days.  Belinda is survived by her husband, son and daughter, sisters Debera Peterson and Ramona Leppell, nephew Terrell Fernandes and niece Tiara Fernandes, and mother, Yaeko Kito Leppell.

According to Belinda’s wishes, there will be a service open to family and friends.  In lieu of flowers, Belinda requested donations be made to Catholic Charities.