Supporting the Koppin Family Through Unimaginable Loss

Our father, Ed Koppin, took his last breath on January 31, 2025, in the stillness of sleep. His heart, which had fought so valiantly for years, finally found peace. But to us—Nealan, Nicklaus, and Gabrielle—his passing feels anything but peaceful. It marks the end of a heartbreaking journey defined by resilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to family, even as our mother, Norma, now lies in hospice, preparing to join him.

In June 2018, our world first shattered when Dad suffered a catastrophic aortic dissection. We watched in terror as Flight for Life rushed him to surgery, praying for a miracle. Against all odds, he survived. But the road to recovery was grueling—months of rehabilitation, setbacks, and adapting to a life forever altered. Yet he never complained. His sole focus was reclaiming his role as our mother’s protector, caring for her, spending time with his sons on the golf course—shooting in the 70s and effortlessly defeating them—enjoying the company of his daughter, and embracing his role as grandfather to Audrey and Leighton.

Norma, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, had been his reason to fight. As her body slowly surrendered to the disease, Dad became her hands, her voice, her steadfast caregiver. Even after a stroke struck him in December 2023, leaving him weaker and increasingly frail, he refused to retreat. He would sit by her side, offer a comforting presence, and share heartfelt conversations—as though his mere presence could shield her from pain.

Their love story was one of quiet heroism, lasting for over 40 years. They would have celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary this coming March 17, on St. Patrick’s Day. Mom, vibrant and full of life, faced Parkinson’s with grace, even as it stole her mobility and independence. Dad, battered by his own body, met each of her needs with tenderness. They were wounded, together, yet leaning on each other in a battle neither chose, nor deserved.

Now, in the cruelest twist, they’ve been torn apart just as their journey nears its end. Mom, in hospice care is fighting, diligently and with every fiber that remains in her being. We sit with her, holding her hands, replaying old stories, listening to her favorite music and pray she feels God’s boundless love, the enduring love of her husband, the cherished love of family who passed before her—now awaiting her arrival—and the comforting love of those gathered by her side in these final hours, while Dad’s quiet, steadfast love is ever present in the stillness around her. Meanwhile, we face the crushing reality of laying both parents to rest within days of each other—a burden no family should bear.

The financial weight of this dual loss is unexpected and challenging. Years of medical crises drained savings. Now, we’re confronted with mounting expenses: Dad’s cremation, burial costs, legal fees to settle their estate, and lingering medical bills. The grief that we are experiencing is profound in every way.

We are humbly asking for your help. Your support will allow us to honor Dad’s final wish—to care for Mom with the same selflessness he embodied—and to give them both the dignified farewell they deserve. Every donation, no matter the size, will ease the pressure so we can focus on these final, precious moments with our mother.

Dad and Mom taught us that love is shown through action. In his memory, we ask you to act now. Share this fundraiser, donate if you can, and keep our family in your thoughts. Together, we can ensure their legacy of courage and compassion lives on.

Thank you for being the light in our darkest days.

—Neal, Nick, and Gabi Koppin

Note to donors: 100% of funds will go toward covering medical bills, cremation/burial expenses, legal fees, and other mounting costs. Updates will be shared as we navigate this tender time. Please keep our family in your prayers and thoughts.