Jennifer A. Coppola, 69, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend to many, died at home on December 23, 2015 of brain cancer surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Pittsfield on August 22, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Rita and Felix Coppola and a 1964 graduate of Pittsfield High School. During her life, Jennifer was a tireless advocate for the disabled, the troubled, and people who are too often ignored by society. Through her career in the healing arts, she empowered them to find their inner strength and voice.
Jennifer was a Founder and Director of the Opportunities Workshop, a non-profit organization which provided woodworking, arts and crafts and training for developmentally and physically challenged adults, including a day program for the elderly and disabled.
Jennifer was also member and volunteer at Ad-Lib, an organization dedicated to home health care for hundreds of disabled and homebound adults. She was a volunteer and Board Member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and Elder Services.
Jennifer graduated from a unique program through North Adams State College called The Center for Resourceful Living. It took place on a farm in Clarksburg, MA in the late 1970's.
Jennifer was devoted to the healing arts, and was a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage in Worcester in 1985. Included among her vast practice was specialized massage therapy for the elderly and special needs adults. In addition, she was among the first therapists in the area to be certified in infant massage. She also earned a certificate in sports training, and became a licensed aesthetician. She volunteered her skills in the healing arts at countless benefits and health fairs in the Berkshire region.
Jennifer loved music and the arts and was a volunteer usher at the Colonial Theater and at Barrington Stage. She also supported numerous environmental and social causes and organizations.
Jennifer is survived by her three children, Samantha Mangiardi Jacobson of Pittsfield, Nicholas Mangiardi, Jr. of Boston and Felicia Durso of Pittsfield; two step-daughters, Barnet Pavao Zuckerman of Silver Springs, MD and Gretel Pavao of Littleton, CO; her grandchildren, Stephen Foster, Juliauna Jacobson, and Yael Durso; four step-grandchildren, Jonas and Ethan Shofler, and Evelyn and Sagan Zuckerman; three brothers, Bo Coppola and Charles Coppola, both of Tavares, FLA, and Anthony Coppola of Kirkland, WA; two sisters, Colette Coppola of Asheville, NC and Rita (Tina) Coppola of Pittsfield, and seven nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL NOTICE:
Funeral services for Jennifer A. Coppola will be held Saturday, January 23, 2016, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Church celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Shershanovich, Pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Jennifer's memory may be made to a college fund Jennifer set up for her grandchildren through Edward Jones Investments. The DERY FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.

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