Jean Carol Coppers Mckenna

Jean Carol Coppers, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and loyal friend, passed away in Yakima, Washington, on September 12, 2026, at the age of 67. A devoted animal lover, gifted cook, jewelry artist, and enthusiastic sports fan, Jean filled her life with the people and passions she loved.

Born June 14, 1959, Jean was welcomed through adoption into the loving home of Bud and Carol Coppers, where she grew up beneath the trees of Yakima’s magical Linden Way alongside her brother, John, who was also adopted. Bud called her “Jeannie-girl,” and she called him the best dad, friend, grandfather, and gentleman she ever knew. She attended Roosevelt Elementary and Franklin Junior High before graduating from Eisenhower High School in 1977.

After losing her mother, Carol, Jean’s life changed in 1974 when Bud married Margaret Makins, who had also lost her husband, Ted. Their two families blended into one, creating a real-life “Brady Bunch,” and Jean and John gained a stepmother and five new siblings: Pat, Molly, Meg, John, and Monica. They became a lifelong part of her heart. Monica’s favorite memory of all is Jean and Bud teaching her to drive.

Jean earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Central Washington University in 1982, graduating in the top quarter of her class and serving as an intern to the Washington State Legislature. That same year, she completed a paralegal certificate with honors at the University of San Diego. She went on to earn her law degree from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1990, graduating in the top third of her class, and became a member of the Washington State Bar Association.

Jean lived and worked in Seattle for a number of years, where her love of cooking led her to manage the General Petroleum Museum Cafe on Capitol Hill. Seattle remained a second home, and she was a frequent guest, and frequent dinner chef, at the home of dear friends Gary Smith and Joseph Givins. She also held a lasting love for Hawaii and its culture, and realized her dream of living on Maui from 2000 to 2013.

In 2013, Jean returned to Yakima, where she stayed close to family and longtime friends while building new and enduring friendships along the way. She spent much of her time caring for others, and that generous spirit extended especially to animals. She kept a long list of lucky four-legged friends she cared for regularly.

Above all, Jean treasured her friends. Over the years she gathered a tribe of loyal, lifelong friends. She cherished her “school girls,” Maria Chichenoff, Susie Woodin, Ann Goodrich, Rosanne Bakon, Cindy Hall, and Karen Chin; Lis Pedemonte, and Lucy Vaulderhaug; Gary and Joseph in Seattle. They were her chosen family, and she showed up for them through every birthday, every hard season, and every reason to celebrate. In return, they surrounded her with the same loyalty and love she gave so freely. She never took them for granted and often said how lucky she felt to have them.

Jean kept up with every sport, especially the Mariners and the Seahawks. She was Bud’s daughter! Strong-willed and passionate, she was a fierce advocate for the causes she believed in, yet her kindness never depended on whether you agreed with her. She could debate with conviction and still be the first to show up when someone needed her.

Jean will be remembered for her sharp wit, free spirit, generous heart, deep love of animals, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. She could light up a room with her signature head tilt and radiant smile, bringing warmth and humor wherever she went. Jean loved bringing people together and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. The sense of belonging she created for all of us will be deeply missed.

Jean is survived by her brother, John Coppers and wife Laurie; her siblings Meg (Makins) Irwin, John Makins and wife Jerrilyn, Monica Makins, and sister in law, Mary Makins; her nieces and nephews Charlie Irwin and wife Casey O'Connor, Chelsea Irwin, Elliot Irwin, Adrian Makins, Ian Schilling Makins and wife Haydyn, Jordan Makins, and Chap Kipp and wife Amanda; and her great-nieces and great-nephews Beauchene, Penelope, and Margaux Abeyta, Theo and Ellis Irwin O'Connor, and Molly Kipp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Carol Coppers; her stepmother, Margaret Coppers; and her siblings Pat Makins and Molly (Makins) Kipp.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, 3001 Terrace Heights Dr., Yakima, WA 98901. A casual gathering will follow at Doodle Vines. Feel free to bring your pet. Jean would have loved it! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Yakima Humane Society.

Rest in peace, Jeanie Beanie… until we see you again.