Mary Catherine Kopa

Mary Catherine Kopa, 38, passed away unexpectedly on January 26. She leaves behind her loving husband, Matt Kopa and two young daughters, Harper age 4 and Callie age 7 months. In the words of one of her friends: “No one hopes or dreams of losing a loved one. But if we’re lucky, and we have to say goodbye, they have lived a long and fulfilling life, and there is some level of comfort in that. However, there are some losses that no one can fathom. A person so young and full of life, that touched everyone around them, that literally made our worlds a better place. A person that would turn herself inside out to make sure everyone around her was ok. A person that would never back down from telling us what was what. A fierce and beautiful soul. Taken from us long before she was ready. Before she had a chance to finish. Before she could see her family grow. Before we could fully show her just how much she meant. The world is a bit dimmer now, and for those she has touched, the healing will never be complete.” Mary Catherine is also survived by her parents, Ray and Marye Thompson; her brother, Ray Thompson, wife Melissa and nephews Tommy and Michael; her in-laws, Mick and Jane Kopa; and her brother-in-law, Michael Kopa and his wife Claire. Mary Catherine attended Cox High School and Radford University. She competed in field hockey, gymnastics, and was a cheerleader at Cox. She was employed as an Inside Salesperson at Allied Electronics. Mary Catherine was a loyal Navy wife and a selflessly devoted mother. She was dedicated to family as a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. Her unfailing friendship and bright presence will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center. Service to be held at Spring Branch Church 1500 N. Great Neck Rd. on Thursday February 2nd at 2:00 pm.