Jean Chope

Jean Beverly Richmond Chope passed away peacefully at her assisted living apartment at Wyndham West on January 18, 2018, at the age of 90. Jean was born on September 25, 1927 to Roy and Dorothy (Force) Richmond in Kalamazoo, MI. She was a January 1945 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and attended WMU from 1945 to 1947. On March 21, 1951, she married William E. Chope, Jr., who predeceased her in 2012. Jean's early work included four years in an accounting position at The Upjohn Company, and later, after raising her two daughters, a position in the office of the First Presbyterian Church, where she was a long-time member and served terms as Elder and President of the Women's Association. A gifted writer, Jean used her talents to encourage and inspire those fortunate enough to know her. She was an avid reader who enjoyed both fiction and nonfiction, always seeking and sharing her "truths" on life's journey. When not reading, sewing or knitting, she enjoyed time spent in nature, and she especially loved music and dogs. A creative and spiritual person, Jean lived life to the fullest and will be loved, remembered and missed by all who knew her. Jean is survived by her daughters Nancie (Dan) Closson and Debra (Bill) Chope Hughes; brother Dr. Thomas (Audrey) Richmond; granddaughters Jeannie (Chris) Grashorn and Danielle Closson; step-granddaughters Rachel (Jeff) Hughes-Nilsson and Sara (Jason) Butler; step-great-grandchildren Riley Nilsson and Jacob and Owen Butler; niece Lisa Richmond; nephews John (Patty) Richmond and Paul (deceased) & Mary Richmond; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her parents; a baby girl; her brother and his wife, Jack (Marilyn) Richmond; her sisters-in-law and their husbands: Virginia (Paul) Richmond and Barbara (Ted) Spence; and her nephew Roy Richmond. The family wishes to express great appreciation for the loving, attentive care provided by the staff of Wyndham West and the services provided by Jean's Hospice Care of Southwest MI caregivers. A memorial service will take place on Friday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m. at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49009. Friends may meet with the family an hour prior to the service or during a time of fellowship immediately following the service. Memorial contributions in Jean's memory may be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society; Hospice Care of Southwest MI; or the charity of your choice.