Virginia Elaine Kopchak

Virginia Elaine (Akerly) (Hansen) Kopchak went to be with Jesus on March 27, 2024.  Virginia was born on July 2, 1924, making her 99 years, 9 months old. She was born to Florence Edith Clark and Lloyd Cleveland Akerly in Sacramento, CA.  

Virginia graduated from Grant High School in 1941 at 16. She was a good student and played the French horn in the marching band.  For many years she was active in the Alumni Association helping raise money for scholarships.  After high school she worked at Pac Bell.  At 19 she married Raymond Hansen and followed her military husband to Texas and Tennessee.  Her son Gary was born in 1944 and in 1947 Susan was born.  Later she worked as a bookkeeper and later as an office manager for Taylor’s and Challenge dairies.  In 1960 she remarried John Kopchak and enjoyed golfing and camping with RV friends. In addition, Mom & Johnny belonged to Saraband Dance Club.  She also became a step mom to Jackie, Pat & John Kopchak also in 1960.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents: Florence E. & Lloyd C. Akerly; foster parents: Lucille and Leroy Lewis; all of her siblings: Lloyd M. Akerly, Clarence C. Akerly, Elwyn C. Akerly, Hazel E. Akerly, Florence E. Akerly, Evelyn B. Akerly;  husbands: Raymond F. Hansen and John Harry Kopchak; son Gary W. Hansen and step daughter Pat (Cowan) Burger; granddaughter Judy Cowan; sons in law Jerry Balmer and Bill Burger; daughter in law: Meredith Kopchak.

Virginia is survived by daughter Susan (Suzi) L. Voudouris (Ted), stepdaughter Jackie Balmer and step son John H. Kopchak Jr. (Meredith) and (Sharon). Grandchildren: Michael P. Voudouris (Kristin), Deanna L. Palacios (Michael), Jennifer Morregle (Mark) (John), Jeff Balmer, Johnna Guederian (John), John H. Kopchak III (Riann), Kim, Cindy,  Eliza Adame (Tony), Kandee and Bill Burger Jr., Austin Hansen (Chelsea), Zack, Ana, and Zeena Hansen. Great Grandchildren of immediate family; Alexana J. Butterfield (Tyler), Jack P. Voudouris, Sophia H. Voudouris, Athena G. Voudouris, Luke M. Voudouris, Lauren K. Palacios, Ben P. Palacios, Priscilla Aguilar (Angela), Brittany Adame (Marcus), Joseph Adame, Cameron Adame, Spencer Coumbs, Brad Coumbs (Jane) Zach Coumbs (McKadee), Jake Kopchak, Jackson Kopchak, as well as DJ, Hasmig, Chelsea, Araxi, Sevag, Noah and Talean. There are dozens of other great and great-great grandchildren in other states. There are also many loving nieces and nephews who have loved on her throughout her lifetime. 

Mom was called Ginger as a child by her family. Later she went by Jinny with Johnny and ended up being called Virginia again later in life.  She was called Nana, Great-Nana and Gramma Jinny by many.  Since she mothered so many kids and friends she was called Mom again, much to her delight.

She was always true to her faith.  She was a Charter member of Arcade Wesleyan Methodist Church since 1955, now known as Faith Legacy Church.  She was the last Charter member left after 69 years of attending. 

Most of all she was the most loving Mom to all of us.  However, she has left us a wonderful legacy to follow.