Obituary

Linda Maria Copening was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 4, 1948, to Elia Anthony DiPietro (aka Pete) & Noreen DiPietro.  She earned her wings on January 15, 2023, at Bon Secours Community Hospice in Richmond, VA.

Linda was raised in the Catholic church and would rely heavily on her faith during good times & bad.  She attended public schools in Brooklyn, NY and Toms River, NJ before graduating high school @ North Babylon High in Long Island, NY.  She attended one year of community college in Long Island before moving with her parents to Waldorf, MD.

Linda devoted 37 years of service in the Federal Government, first working for the General Services Administration, but quickly moving to the US Department of Labor to further her career.  Linda’s “day job” was as a Claims Examiner, but her passion was serving in their labor union – the American Federation of Government Employees Local 12.  She began as a shop steward, but her talent & compassion for members quickly elevated her to President of the Local.  She was an expert at case law & arbitration, but also used her position to grow membership to an all-time high, lobby for political issues that were dear to her & make AFGE Local 12 a shining example of how a labor union should be run.

Linda enjoyed gardening, reading a good book & spoiling her pets – nearly all of whom were rescues.  She loved catching up with friends & co-workers & family regularly, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.  Whether over family dinner, a short car ride, phone call or a quick visit, she greatly enjoyed hearing their stories & life updates, always making time for a laugh or a kind word, and always looking to spoil them as best she could.

Linda was a devoted friend, neighbor & co-worker, loving mother & doting grandmother.  She is survived by her loving son Tony, her daughter in law Ericka, three grandchildren – Shaun, Cameron & Ryan, three stepchildren – Robyn, Ronald & Brian, Aunt Elda, Cousins Geri, Diana & Leslie and their families, and a host of other neighbors, co-workers, family and friends.  Linda was truly one of a kind and will be missed greatly by all.  In lieu of flowers, please join us in supporting Linda’s love of animals via donation to the local Richmond VA SPCA here:  https://richmondspca.org/how-you-can-help/donate/

A memorial service will be held at 1pm Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Road, N. Chesterfield.