Joan Lorraine (Drynan) Copley

Sept. 14, 1920 – Sept. 1, 2016

Joan peacefully passed away at Mountain View Nursing Home I Carson City, Nevada on September 1, 2016.

Joan Lorraine (Drynan) Copley was born September 14, 1920 to William and Phyllis Drynan, in Boxvale, Queensland, Australia.

Her early years were spent on a family owned cattle station in Australia, where she became an accomplished horsewoman. Her early education was a governess. Then, to St. Ursalas Catholic Boarding School, where she excelled in music, winning state awards for piano and 12 cord accordion.

During WWII, Joan drove staff cars for the Americans. After the war she traveled to San Francisco, California to visit a childhood friend, who had married an American Pilot during the war. They took her to a branding, where she met Wayne Burnette Copley. They were married in Carmel, California, January 5, 1947. They lived in many towns throughout California and Nevada, before settling in Lovelock, Nevada in 1962. Joan was preceded in death by Wayne in 1993.

In 2006, Joan moved to Gardnerville, Nevada to be closer to family, making many new friends all while keeping in touch with the many she had already made in her ventures through life.

She was an avid gardener and loved to travel to visit family and friends. She was active for many years in The Cattle Women’s Association, and Church groups. In later years, Joan participated in Clover Leaf Club, Red Hatters, and Lovelock Quilt club. Thank you to her many friends who made sure she stayed involved when she could no longer drive.

Joan is survived by her 2 daughters, Robin Monroe of Boise, ID and Susan Berrington (Gary) of Smith Valley, Nevada; 5 greandchildren, Wendy Berrinton, Melinda Berrinton Knight (Peter), Clint Berrinton (Rebecca), Robert Monroe and Amanda Monroe. As well as, 9 great-grandchildren, Anthony Lommori, Grady Lommori, Brody Lommori, Kolbie Cueva, Tristyn Cueva, Gatlin Knight, Garrett Berrington, Wyatt Berrington, and Rhett Berrington, along with many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center at 1:00 pm on October 9, 2016.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans Guest House, 880 Locuse St., Reno, NV 89502 or Ronald McDonald House Charity of Northern Nevada.