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POLAND -- Claire Louise Kopcsos, 77, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at her home.
Claire was born on March 8, 1949, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Alfred J. and Ethel Sebok Melillo.
She graduated from Lowellville High School in 1967 and was a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley.
Claire attended Youngstown State University, where she pursued her studies in nursing. She later chose to leave the nursing program and began her career as a laboratory technician at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown. It was during her time at St. Elizabeth that Claire met her future husband, John, who was a patient at the hospital.
After several years in the workforce, Claire devoted herself to raising her twin daughters, Christina and Alisha. She cherished her role as a mother and remained dedicated to her family as her daughters grew.
When Christina and Alisha were older, Claire returned to the workforce. She was employed by Dr. Michael Griesmer, DDS, for several years. Claire eventually retired, enjoying time with her family and those she loved.
Claire was a member of Holy Family Church, where she belonged to the Altar Guild. She was also a member of the PTA at Poland Local Schools when her daughters attended school.
She was a longtime and dedicated member of the Poland community. Claire served as President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 15 of Poland, for more than 25 years. She was the scorekeeper for her husband, John, when he coached his daughters' softball team and ran concessions for the Poland Community Baseball Association (PCBA) for many years. Along with her husband, she chaired many Whitetails Unlimited banquets. Whatever John was involved in, Claire was there beside him, always ready to help and support him.
Claire enjoyed collecting wind chimes, taking trips to Las Vegas with her husband, John, and, most especially, traveling to Disney World with her two daughters. She cherished the time spent with her family and friends and will be remembered for her generous heart, loyalty to those she loved, and dedication to her community.
Claire is survived by her twin daughters, Christina Kopcsos of Struthers, and Alisha (Dr. David) Benson of St. Marys; her grand cat, Penny; and many extended family, close neighbors and good friends.
Besides her parents, Claire was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, John M. Kopcsos. The couple married on Aug. 26, 1978, and John passed away on May 15, 2023.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at the funeral home, with Rev. Dan Pompili officiating.
Burial will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery.
The family is requesting that material tributes take the form of contributions to her two daughters to help with funeral expenses.
Visit www.beckerfuneralhomes.com to share memories and condolences with Claire Louise's family.
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