Former state Sen. Copening remembered as ‘gracious leader’

Friends and family took to social media this week to express their love and support of former Nevada state Sen. Allison Copening, who died on Saturday night.

“On January 18, 2020, D. Allison Copening peacefully passed away surrounded by those who love her, following a brief illness,” her sister, Gina Gallus, wrote on Copening’s Facebook page.

Gallus wrote that in death Copening gave to others through organ donation. Copening suffered a cardiac event on Jan. 5, according to her sister.

“Today (Monday) at 4 p.m., Allison selflessly gave so that many others could live,” Gallus wrote. “She has been a long time promoter of organ donation and in death modeled what she preached in life. This final act of generosity is symbolic of how Allison lived her life.”

Copening was elected to District 6 of the state Senate from in 2008, and served a single term, defeating former state Sen. Bob Beers, a Republican. She was a Bonanza High School and UNLV graduate.

She worked for KLAS Channel 8 and in public affairs before founding Seasons Funeral Planning Services. Her Facebook page also lists her as a former chairwoman of the Southern Nevada Leadership Board at the American Cancer Society of Nevada and a former director of public affairs at Pulte Homes.

Copening’s fellow legislators released statements on Tuesday on her passing.

“We are saddened and heartbroken over the loss of such a passionate advocate,” said Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, who currently represents District 6.

“She led us on key healthcare issues from the first day,” state Sen. Joyce Woodhouse said. “I am so honored to have known her and worked with her for decades on programs for students, our seniors and so many in our great state. She will be greatly missed.”

Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., called Copening “a fierce advocate for Nevadans in the state Legislature and a dedicated public servant.” Horsford served as the Senate’s majority leader during Copening’s tenure.

Copening’s friends and family wrote on her Facebook page that she was a person of outstanding character who also served as a great friend to many.

“She is so loved by her devoted and selfless sister Gina who never left her side and by all her friends and family who I have the honor to know,” one poster, Arezo Fathie, wrote.

“Nevada lost a wonderful woman, may her family find comfort in all the memories she left,” wrote Nora Luna.

“A gracious leader and one of the most generous people I know. The heavens have gained an angel,” wrote poster Jennifer Anderson Campbell.

Gallus wrote on her sister’s Facebook page that there will be a visitation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, at Kraft-Sussman Funeral Home. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Canyon Ridge Christian Church.

Contact Glenn Puit at gpuit@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0390. Follow @GlennatRJ on Twitter.